Destination Oroville

When Oroville dam was created, the people of Oroville assumed that we would become the destination place for a good portion of California. There were a few subdivisions made in anticipation of great throngs of people who were bound to want to live by the Lake.
Unfortunately, there were not the great numbers some had hoped for. And the powers that were behind the huge dam did not fulfill all of their promises. So, although we had a lot of visitors, Oroville was not bringing in tourist close to our potential.
Now, we seem to have a little buzz within the community with lots of projects completed and in the works that will bring more tourist in. Most of these projects are located near and next to the beautiful Feather River that runs through Oroville.
The biggest so far has been Riverview Park. It is a large area fit for leisurely strolls or large gatherings. This park includes a water spray fountain that children and some adults find fun in running through the water spray. there is also a children's rock climbing area, a sand play area, and for the children in all of us, a beach on the river, bike trails, a disk golf coarse, and a fitness coarse. There are also large shelters for picnics and events.
The new Centennial Park is located near downtown and has a beautiful arbor and walkways between flower beds full of native and beautiful plants. There is an overlook above the river perfect for viewing or an outdoor concert. The park is located next to the new antique tool museum, the Municipal Auditorium, and the Chinese temple.
For a more reflective view, a new veterans memorial is now underway just north of the Veterans hall. It will be a great place to honor and remember those Americans who gave their lives for our freedom.
Back down river is a fairly new Skateboard/bike park that attracts quite a few of our talented kids. This place was built to satisfy the kids by letting bikes and skaters in the park at the same time, without getting in the way of each other! Since then, other cities has followed the ideas born in this park.
Up the river is a small nature center. This is a great place for learning about the native natural resources in the Oroville area.
Coming soon is a Gateway project near highway 70 which will include a visitor center, chamber of Commerce, and hotel. All of this will be connected to the river.
There are preliminary plans for a white water park just up the river from downtown. This is already designed with water pressure already in place. The funds for this park is also very close to being in place.
Finally, bringing all of this together is a swath of public land next to the river with a bike, pedestrian path along the whole route.
With the projects already in place, and the ones to come, Oroville should be a great destination for people to come to, and maybe stay!