Western Gateway Recreation & Park District will receive $1,144,634 through the California State Parks’ Rural Recreation and Tourism Program for new recreation opportunities that support economic, tourism, and health-related goals. Awards were granted to 12 eligible recipients in the state through a competitive grant process which allocated $23.1 million of Prop 68 funds.
The grant awarded to Western Gateway Regional Park will develop a new limited stay Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping Area and renovate adjacent ballfields at Western Gateway Regional Park. The new development will include ten RV sites with pedestal BBQs and picnic tables along with landscaping and parking for one tow vehicle. Project improvements will also include new ballfield turf, upgraded safety netting, additional viewing stands, parking and staging areas dressed with roadway gravel. Project plans feature sustainable environmental design elements like green infrastructure, recycled materials, and landscaping with locally grown drought-tolerant native plants. Locally produced interpretive signage along nature trails and park pathways will educate visitors about local species, habitat, and the area’s rich cultural history.
Elements of the project, including the RV area, were identified through the 2009 Western Gateway Regional Park Master Plan and community feedback during the 2019-2020 Penn Valley Area Plan update. These plans provided use and policy recommendations to create connections to new and existing facilities for developing an integrated and connected recreational system. Western Gateway’s Board of Directors focused grant writing for these Prop 68 monies on campgrounds and camping. Outreach meetings through the Area Plan update invited public input on the Western Gateway Regional Park’s existing facilities and potential new development.
Western Gateway Regional Park serves thousands of park users annually through community events like the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Penn Valley Rodeo Parade staging, Music in the Mountains and Praise in the Mountains concerts, Art in the Park, family celebrations, and visitors to the playgrounds, disc golf course, pump track, dog park and the creek. The park is a treasured space to gather and host events for all to enjoy! Yet, nearly 100% of annual revenue from taxes and fees covers operating expenses which does not allow necessary funding for deferred maintenance and site upgrades.
This grant will provide enhancements and long overdue improvements to the park which will make it more attractive as a sports and recreation destination. We are excited to see the positive effects this will have on the surrounding community, boosting up small businesses, restaurants, retailers and more, as the grant program is designed to do. Thank you, State Parks!
