CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Convened by the Carmichael Recreation and Park District, a recent town hall sought public input in shaping a 2021 park Master Plan. More than 170 participants tuned into the February 25 meeting via Zoom and voted on issues relating to park development. Many were able to address the meeting.

Master plans are revised every ten years and are typically molded by public forums. With gatherings nixed by COVID, the District resorted to virtual format and hired landscaping specialists Gates+Associates to facilitate the event.

From a population of more than 64,000 people, 150 might not seem a great pool of input. But consultant Linda Gates felt the response encouraging. “We assume these people represent a profile of Carmichael population,” she explained. “We’ve already done an online survey with 750 responses; we’ve also had focus group meetings. We see consistent themes emerging.”

The two-hour meeting polled participants on a wide range of concepts, including:

Splash park versus municipal pool; Shade structures construction; Pathway improvement; All-abilities playgrounds; Funding all the above.

Participants submitted suggestions; some asked to speak. Carmichael resident Brenda Beers Mock noted that 1100 people brought canines to the off-leash dog park every week. She and others felt the District showed insufficient interest in improving the enclosure. Discussion got heated re pickleball. Outdoor facilities are proposed for the trending sport, but CRPD’s indoor courts remain in lockdown and enthusiasts are in a pickle over lost playing opportunities. Cardinal Oaks Park vandalism concerned homeowners near this reserve. Playing field conditions at La Sierra Community Center fields dismayed soccer fans; one speaker called the turf “better suited to horses than kids.” Carmichael Park tennis court surfaces were also critiqued.

Skateboarding was a hot topic. Though the District’s skate park was shuttered in 2013, skaters remain many and vocal. Former CRPD employee and skating activist Bob Kerr lobbied for the District to reestablish the facility. “I’m grateful the forum let us talk about how important it is to local kids,” he said. “Skate boarding’s an Olympic sport now. We hope the new Master Plan will bring back our park and programs.”

Conveners explained that money – or the lack of it -- was the root of most district problems. A 2016 lawsuit exploited loopholes to overturn CRPD funding through tax assessment. When polled on financial options, two thirds of the town hall audience voted to revisit the assessment route. “That’s encouraging,” said District Administrator Mike Blondino. “In the past year, people have come to really appreciate parks and it’s great so many at the town hall were willing to assess themselves to help pay for improvements.

Facilitator Linda Gates noted a spirit of appreciation for the District’s efforts during difficult times. “Many people asked how they could help” she said. “Carmichael is clearly a community that cares.”

Based in views garnered from the Zoom event -- and a previous online survey and focus groups -- CRPD will draft Master Plan recommendations within two months.  More public outreach will occur this summer. 2021’s revised plan is expected to be finalized before fall. 

The District welcomes more input. Email Mike Blondino at [email protected] or telephone (916) 485-5322. A replay of the February 25 zoom forum can be seen on YouTube. For a link, visit www.carmichaelpark.com