20th Street Community Park

Park Overview

20th Street Community Park sits like a green oasis in south Chico, California. Sprawling across a generous 40 acres, this park has become the neighborhood's go-to spot for everything from intense sports matches to lazy Sunday picnics.

What makes this park special is how it caters to pretty much everyone. No matter if you're looking to break a sweat or just find a peaceful spot under a tree with a good book, you'll feel right at home here. The grounds are well-kept, and the strategic placement of trees creates welcome patches of shade - an absolute blessing during those scorching Chico summer days.

Sports and Recreation Areas

The park features expansive green spaces, including versatile multi-purpose sports fields that host everything from organized soccer matches to impromptu frisbee games. On any given weekend, you'll find these fields buzzing with activity.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated areas for specific activities. The pickleball courts have recently expanded due to growing popularity (seems like everyone's playing pickleball these days!). You'll also find tennis courts, old-school horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts - meant for channeling your inner beach volleyball pro, minus the actual beach.

The newly installed bocce ball courts are well-maintained and regularly draw players of all skill levels. For disc golf fans, the park features six disc golf baskets with a mix of par 3 to par 5 challenges that keep things interesting.

Community Events

All year long, 20th Street Community Park transforms into event central. Kite Day is a local favorite, filling the skies with colorful kites and the air with children's laughter. When summer rolls around, the park fills with sports camps and league activities, making it a central spot for recreation in Chico.

Many of these organized sports activities fall under the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD), which often reserves fields for games and tournaments.

Children's Play Areas

For those bringing children, the park offers good options. The park features two separate playground areas thoughtfully designed for different age groups. One playground caters to the 2-5 crowd, while the other keeps kids aged 5-12 entertained - no more worrying about toddlers getting trampled by enthusiastic big kids.

These play areas are conveniently situated near picnic tables, making it easy to plan a full day out. And yes, there are working water fountains nearby - a small but crucial detail when you're dealing with thirsty kids after an hour on the monkey bars.

Dog-Friendly Features

Dog parents, rejoice! The park offers a spacious off-leash area at its far end. Unlike many dog parks that are basically glorified dirt patches, this one actually has grass and shade trees, making it comfortable for both your four-legged friend and you.

Throughout the rest of the park, leashed dogs are welcome, and you'll discover bag dispensers strategically placed to help keep the grounds clean.

Amenities and Accessibility

Planning a gathering? The covered picnic areas with tables and barbecue facilities make this park well-suited for everything from birthday parties to family reunions. Restroom facilities are available for those longer visits, although you might want to bring hand sanitizer as basics like soap aren't always stocked.

Getting to and around the park is a breeze. There's plenty of parking, and the lot itself is dotted with trees that provide much-needed shade for your car (no one enjoys returning to a vehicle that feels like an oven). The park's location in south Chico makes it easily accessible, which explains why it's become such a popular community hangout.

Walking and Biking

A scenic path loops around the park, great for your morning jog or a leisurely evening stroll. The recently added bridge is a game-changer for cyclists and walkers, creating a smooth connection between 20th Street Park and Bidwell Park. This thoughtful addition has helped weave together Chico's network of green spaces, making it easier to explore more of what the city has to offer.