In a meaningful tribute to Chico’s veterans, CARD will officially rename Wildwood Park to Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024.

Beyond Golf Chico is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of an innovative golf course at DeGarmo Park. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, from 2–5 PM at DeGarmo Park.

Starting November 1, 2024, the Downtown City Plaza will temporarily close as crews begin transforming the space into a dazzling winter wonderland.

CARD is excited to announce the return of the Chico Ice Rink to Downtown Plaza in collaboration with the City of Chico and the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA). Opening on November 15th, the rink promises a winter wonderland of fun and festive activities for the entire community.

Mark your calendars for a magical and family-friendly Halloween celebration at this year's final Movies in the Park event, featuring Disney & Pixar's Coco! Join Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) on Saturday, October 26th, from 5–9 PM at DeGarmo Park (3428 Esplanade, Chico) for this fun, free community event.

The Great Pumpkin Splash returns for its second year of Halloween fun, offering a family-friendly event that’s sure to make a splash! On Saturday, October 5th, the PV Rec Center & Pool will transform into a floating pumpkin patch, where kids and adults alike can swim, pick their favorite pumpkin, and enjoy an afternoon full of festive activities.

The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) is thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of the Chico Community Observatory under CARD's new management. This exciting event will take place on Friday, September 20th, from 7 PM to 10 PM at 1 Observatory Way, near Horseshoe Lake.

Join Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) for a magical evening under the stars as Movies in the Park returns with Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid at Wildwood Park on Saturday, September 14th.

Get ready to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at CARD’s annual fall gala, “Roaring into the Future,” a speakeasy-themed fundraiser set to dazzle and delight on Friday, September 27th, at the elegant Lakeside Pavilion. This year’s gala promises a night of clandestine revelry, all in support of the future CARD Aquatics & Recreation Center, a state-of-the-art facility projected to be complete by fall 2026.

For Oscar Rodriguez, nature has always been a sanctuary—a place of solace and discovery. His journey with the Chico Creek Nature Center, where he has been guiding night hikes, owl prowls, and other nature programs for nearly three years, is a testament to his lifelong passion for the natural world.

Over the past five months, CARD has proudly collaborated with The Rainforest Art Project to engage students at Chapman Elementary School in a creative journey resulting in two stunning new mosaic murals for Chapman Park. These artworks beautifully depict our region's rich habitats and the marvelous creatures that inhabit them.

The Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is excited to invite you to Movies in the Park! Grab your family and friends, pack your blankets and chairs, and join us for a showing of the blockbuster hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie under the stars.

The Chico Creek Nature Center invites you to bid farewell to summer break in the sweetest way possible at our Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 17th, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Cool off with delicious Shubert’s ice cream while exploring the beauty of Bidwell Park and our educational wildlife exhibits.

The Chico Creek Nature Center is excited to welcome its newest Animal Ambassador, a Western Screech Owl. Transferred into the Nature Center’s care from the UC Davis California Raptor Center (CRC) in Davis, this owl will play a vital role in enhancing the Nature Center’s educational programs.

CARD invites families to its Let Freedom Ring event on Saturday, June 29th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the newly upgraded Chapman Park. Celebrate America with a splash at the new splash pad, listen to live music by the Chico Community Band and local musicians Emma & Will, and enjoy free traditional 4th of July foods like hotdogs and ice cream.

For over 27 years, Tulya McLaughlin has been a beloved yoga instructor with the CARD. Her journey into yoga began out of necessity and curiosity. Originally a dental hygienist, Tulya was forced to retire from clinical work due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Seeking a new path, she turned to a lifelong interest in yoga.

CARD is excited to announce its inaugural 4th of July Parade, themed "America and The Freedom to Play." The parade, scheduled for Thursday, July 4th, from 9 AM to 11 AM, will take place in Downtown Chico. This event invites the community to celebrate our commitment to outdoor spaces and recreation.

Get ready to dive into summer fun as CARD Aquatics Season officially kicks off on June 8th! Join us at the Pleasant Valley Pool for an exciting opening night featuring “Movies at the Pool.”

CARD is thrilled to announce the return of its 3rd annual K-9 Classic event at DeGarmo Park! This free community event will be held on Saturday, May 18th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, inviting families and their furry companions to join for a paws-itively great time.

CARD is excited to officially turn on the water at the new Splash Pad at Chapman Park. Starting Monday, May 13th, the water at the splash pad will run daily from 9 AM–8 PM through the summer.

CARD is excited to partner with SkateMD, a Northern California non-profit organization, to host a free one-on-one skateboard clinic for children with special needs. The event will take place at the Humboldt Avenue Skate Park on Saturday, May 11th.

CARD is proud to announce its inaugural Inclusive Prom, "Superstars! An Inclusive Prom," on April 27th at the CARD Community Center. This event is specifically designed for teens and young adults with physical and intellectual differences, along with their friends and families, promising a night of inclusivity and joy.

CARD invites the community to join us for an informative session on Wednesday, April 24th, from 5:30–6:30 PM at the Chico Masonic Family Center.

CARD regrets to announce that Chico Kite Day, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 14th, has been postponed due to anticipated rainy weather. The event will now take place on Sunday, April 21st, from 12–3 PM.

The Chico Creek Nature Center is thrilled to announce the arrival of seven California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) from the San Francisco Zoo. These frogs, received under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, will play a vital role in educational programs at the Nature Center.

CARD is thrilled to announce the arrival of the beloved Chico Kite Day event on Sunday, April 14th, from 12–3 PM at Community Park. This free community event invites families from Chico and surrounding areas to enjoy Spring with a day full of fun and entertainment.

CARD is excited to invite the community to participate in the Rotary Park Playground Info Session on Thursday, April 4th from 11 AM to 4 PM at Rotary Park, located at 1532 Broadway St, Chico, CA.

CARD is excited to announce its 61st Annual Spring Jamboree, happening on Saturday, March 30th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This cherished community event invites families from Chico and surrounding areas to welcome spring with a day full of fun and entertainment at Sycamore Field and Caper Acres.

CARD invites the community to join us for an informative session on Tuesday, March 26th from 5:30–7 PM at the DeGarmo Park Pavilion. This event will focus on the upcoming Aquatics & Recreation Center, as well as planned improvements for DeGarmo Park.

CARD is thrilled to announce the opening of registration for its highly anticipated summer camps and aquatics programs, starting April 1st. Offering a diverse range of camp experiences designed to engage, educate, and inspire youth of all ages, CARD invites families to explore the summer possibilities that await.

CARD has a long history of offering youth and adult recreational classes, some spanning decades. These classes owe much of their success to the remarkable instructors who make them possible. Meet Tai Chi instructor Barbara Alderson, who has been teaching seniors at CARD in Tai Chi for the last 24 years.

CARD is pleased to announce its commitment to a groundbreaking initiative to create and operate public parks and recreational facilities within the Valley’s Edge development.

CARD announces the retirement of Jeff Carter, its dedicated and esteemed legal counsel, after an illustrious 36-year career of unwavering commitment and exemplary service.

In the heart of Chico, a local martial arts class at Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) holds a rich legacy of discipline, camaraderie, and personal growth. Meet Master Vince Scocozza, a seasoned Kung Fu instructor with a passion for shaping not just martial artists but individuals equipped with life's essential lessons.

CARD invites you to join us for the grand opening celebration of the newly renovated Chapman Park on Friday, January 12th at 2:00 PM. Chapman Park is located at 775 E 16th Street in Chico next to the Dorothy F. Johnson Center.