City of Arcata Celebrates New Recreation Features at Carlson Park
Press release from the City of Arcata:
Join City of Arcata Councilmembers, staff and community members to celebrate the opening of new recreation improvements at Carlson Park on Friday, Sept. 13!
Over the past year Carlson Park has transformed into a recreation destination for all ages with a new river-themed playground, pickleball courts, special event area, riparian trails and non-motorized boating access. Carlson Park provides the first public access to the Mad River within the City of Arcata as well as opportunities for wildlife-viewing and fishing.
The City would like to thank all community members who participated in Valley West and Carlson Park community engagement activities throughout the years and shaped the vision for improvements at Carlson Park.
The City of Arcata will host a ribbon cutting event at the new Carlson Park playground, 5285 Carlson Park Drive, on Friday, September 13 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be a chance to experience the new recreation features and enjoy the river access and riparian trails. The community is invited to then stay at the park and grab a bite to eat at a food truck with friends and neighbors. Food Truck Fridays in September will highlight one local food truck vendor each week and offers fun for the whole family.
While the new amenities are open at Carlson Park for public enjoyment, the City will continue construction of additional elements over the next several months including skate features, interpretive and wayfinding signage in collaboration with the Wiyot Tribe and Redwood Community Action Agency, electric vehicle charging stations in partnership with Redwood Coast Energy Authority and trail and riparian enhancements with the California Conservation Corps.
Funding for completion of the Carlson Park Improvement Project was made possible through the California State Parks Rural Recreation and Tourism Grant Program, the Wildlife Conservation Board Public Access Program, a state budget appropriation secured by Senator Mike McGuire and the City of Arcata’s Open Space, Parks & Trails Special Tax. Hooven & Co. Inc., Miracle Playsystems, Inc. and Sof Surfaces, Inc. served as contractors for park construction. City staff, the California Conservation Corps and the Volunteer Trail Stewards stewarded river access and trail improvements.
For more information, please visit cityofarcata.org or call (707) 822-8184.
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
I tried to take my family here last week. My husband and kids think I’m nuts now that I play in homeless encampments. There are abandoned dogs in the woods and many many people living in the woods as you approach the river.
The homeless situation in that area is totally out of control. They walk through the Tractor Supply parking lot while customers are trying to access the store. There are cars that pull up along side the road to provide food and other items to them. That park will be ruined in no time.
About 7 or 8 years ago the City of Arcata did a survey of businesses and residents in the area asking for input on their plan for the Guintoli Lane neighborhood, including parks. At that time I was a business owner there and I told them that until or unless they deal with the issue of the dense population of houseless folks in that area, any new facilities would be dominated by those with the greatest need. Since then there have been two motels transitioned into housing for the houseless, but it seems it barely made a dent. But the City of Arcata continues executing community plans without mitigating this problem, as if it doesn’t exist. Maybe they should call the park “Ostrich Park”, or “Clueless Park”…
Ladies, don’t go there alone! Was followed/harassed by a man there this past week.