People will be able to scatter a loved one’s ashes in Bidwell Park with written city permission.
Chico’s park commission unanimously approved the rules Monday.
Park manager Shane Romain proposed the change.
“We’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in inquiries from the public about scattering ashes in Bidwell Park,” Romain said at the meeting.
He’s had to turn people down because the city had no policy, he said.
“According to the law, in order for a person to do that, they have to obtain the permission of the property owner,” Romain said.
The new rules require ashes to stay at least 200 feet from creeks and lakes. Scattering is also prohibited on trails, playgrounds and other heavily used areas.
The decision lets park staff issue permits.
For Gary Hedlind, the policy could help fulfill a personal wish.
Hedlind, 79, was walking his dog Honey at Five-Mile Recreation Area on Tuesday.
He said he’d want his ashes to be spread in each of his favorite places.
“One of those places happens to be Bidwell Park,” he said, “but not in the creek.”
