This month marks six years since the devastating Camp Fire. It is California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire to date. Many communities in Butte County are still recovering. Scott Amick, a supervisor with the Paradise Recreation and Park District, said Paradise parks played an important role during the Camp Fire and recovery.
“Bille Park itself ended up being a shelter in place spot that saved many lives,” Amick said. “People were able to head there, and because the parks are so well manicured and so well taken care of, they did receive a little bit of a burn, but for the most part, they're either intact or have been built back up to their state before the fire.”
He said the organization is working on bringing more activities and recreation spaces to the ridge, including a new park in Magalia.
“We’re touted as one of the fastest growing towns on the west coast, the Paradise Magalia ridge,” Amick said. “So we’re definitely looking to grow into the population that we continue to see coming up.”
The Paradise Recreation and Park District has received grants to improve Bille Park and Lake Ridge Park in Magalia. There are plans to build a flow track for mountain bikes and to install a ropes course at Bille Park. These upgrades were informed by input received directly from the children of Magalia.
Amick said a $750,000 grant has also been issued to the department to fund public events on the ridge. These events are meant to bring the community together and draw visitors to the area.
“We host the kids free fishing tournament once a year, and we also have the Fall Family Fun Fest,” Amick said. “We do so many things way up on the ridge that we're hoping to bring people up the Skyway to invest in our community and just increase commerce in this beautiful area we have up here.”
