Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Cool Commons and Tribal Outdoor Learning Project

The 3rd District Agricultural Association (3rd DAA) / Silver Dollar Fairgrounds proposes to construct the Cool Commons and Tribal Outdoor Learning Project on the existing fairgrounds campus in Chico, Butte County. The Project consists of nature-based cooling and community-serving improvements within the developed fairgrounds footprint, including: (a) expanded tree canopy through planting of native and climate-adapted shade trees; (b) shade structures and shade sails over pedestrian gathering areas and livestock-adjacent circulation zones; (c) a Tribal Outdoor Learning Area developed in consultation with the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and other California Native American tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission; (d) drinking-water hydration stations, misters, and passive cooling elements; and (e) four bioretention rain gardens and permeable-paving improvements that capture Little Chico Creek watershed runoff. Purpose. The Project reduces extreme-heat vulnerability at the fairgrounds, expands urban tree canopy in a community identified as vulnerable to climate hazards, integrates tribal cultural and educational programming into the site's normal operations, and strengthens the fairgrounds' capacity to serve as a public gathering venue and emergency response hub for Butte County. The Project is sited entirely within the existing developed footprint and does not expand the operational envelope of the facility. Beneficiaries. Residents of the City of Chico and Butte County, including populations identified as vulnerable to extreme-heat and climate hazards; fairgrounds visitors and event attendees; California Native American tribes participating in the Tribal Outdoor Learning Area; and first responders and displaced residents using the fairgrounds as an emergency response and resiliency site.