Caper Acres has been a favorite spot in Chico for families and kids for many years. Located at a mile recreation area in Bidwell Park, it’s a place where countless memories have been made—whether it’s climbing the play structures, having picnics, or enjoying time together outdoors.
But there’s more to Caper Acres than just fun and games; it’s a part of the community’s history. As we look at its past, we’ll also explore what exciting changes are coming, especially with the renovations that promise to make it an even better place for future generations to enjoy.
Image: BarnOwlVintage.com
Caper Acres in Chico: A Journey Through Time
Caper Acres has been a key part of Chico’s community for generations. Built in the 1950s, it became an immediate hit with families looking for a fun and safe place for their kids to play. Over the years, the playground has seen its share of changes, but it has always remained a favorite for children and adults alike. From its iconic crooked house to its famous dragon slide, these features have become symbols of childhood fun for many.
But what makes Caper Acres so special isn’t just the playground equipment. It’s the way the community has been involved in its growth and transformation. Local volunteers and organizations have consistently helped maintain and improve the park, ensuring that it stays a treasured space for the city. Whether it’s through fundraising events or hands-on work days, Caper Acres has truly been shaped by the people who love it.
How Did the Place Get Its Name?
Everything happened in 1957 when the Women’s Club of Chico discussed the concept of a children’s playground with the City of Chico. One year later, the adults realized they needed a name for the park and organized a naming contest. The winner was Carla Norlie, a 10-year-old local at the time, who was given an award of $5 for her idea. We were amazed when we discovered that Carla is still in Chico, where she lives with her family!
When Was Caper Acres Opened?
Unfortunately, it took over a decade for the officials to build and open the playground. The fundraising started in 1959, but the first real progress was made in 1964. That was the year when the residents noticed the Humpty Dumpty wall, but it took six more years to finish everything. Finally, the park was officially opened in 1970.
Storms and Vandals
The children enjoyed playing in the park, and their parents and grandparents loved taking them there to create memories. Unfortunately, storms and vandals did lead to a decline in the playground’s appearance, but these didn’t break the community spirit.
In 1995, a storm caused severe damage to the park and destroyed numerous structures. The community reacted quickly and organized playground restructuring.
Adding a Toddler Area
The community discovered that the only thing missing to make the playground the perfect park for children was. A new toddler area was added in 2007, enabling families to spend their afternoons here. However, more bad news arrived in the coming years. The commission identified infrastructure issues in 2014, and three years later, a storm caused a tree to fall down on the crooked house and completely destroy it.
The Caper Acres Park Renovation: A New Chapter
Recently, Caper Acres has been undergoing some exciting renovations. These updates are designed to make the playground safer, more accessible, and even more fun for the families who visit. The goal is to modernize the space while keeping the charm that has made it so beloved. New features are being added, such as updated play structures, better seating for parents, and improvements to the park’s layout to ensure it meets today’s safety standards.
The renovations are a response to both the need for modernization and feedback from the community. Chico’s families wanted a space that could be enjoyed by everyone, including kids of all abilities. These changes aim to make Caper Acres more inclusive and welcoming to all. As work continues, many locals have shared their excitement about what’s coming next and have even been part of the process by volunteering their time or donating to the project.
If you are living in Chico, we have no doubt that you are enjoying your life in this beautiful city. The only thing that may disrupt this paradise is pests, such as spiders and insects, that can infest homes and cause problems for homeowners.
Fortunately, Gecko Pest Control is only a phone call or an e-mail away. Call us now at (530) 342-3050 or get a free quote online. We are the leading pest management company in the area and the perfect partner to ensure that your home remains pest-free!
See directions here:
Caper Acres
500 South Park Drive, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Continue to Woodland Ave
3 min (0.6 mi)
Take Vallombrosa Ave to Crister Ave
4 min (1.6 mi)
Follow Crister Ave and Filbert Ave to Wayne Ln
2 min (0.5 mi)
Gecko Pest Control Chico
185 East Ave, Chico, CA 95926, USA