Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board:
1) Receive and file a presentation on the final Chili Bar Feasibility Study and provide input to staff on the identified options; and
2) Direct staff to work with the American River Conservancy to determine potential options for management of the site and return to the Board no later than September 28, 2021.
FUNDING: SMUD Agreement Funds
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Chili Bar is a rafting/kayaking put-in downstream of the Highway 193 Bridge over the South Fork of the American River. The site is approximately 16 acres and is owned by El Dorado County. The lower area of the property, located adjacent to the river, is operated for rafting activities by the American River Conservancy (ARC) under the terms of a conservation easement. The upper level includes parking, structures, and the site of a previously-existing mobile home park. Chili Bar is a heavily-used access point for the South Fork of the American River.
The El Dorado County Parks and Trails Master Plan identifies the Chili Bar site as a Tier One Priority and identifies the need for the County to gather additional public input and finalize a plan for this site. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended a scope of work for a Chili Bar Feasibility Study to include a full site assessment of the current infrastructure and deficiencies, public outreach, a detailed analysis for up to four conceptual alternatives, and a financial feasibility study. On June 23, 2020 (Legistar Item #20-0420), the Board approved funding to complete a study of the Chili Bar site.
The attached Feasibility and Constraints report and presentation by Helix Environmental Consulting provides information and options. All three designs include improved steps between the existing parking lot and lower terrace, two new accessible parking spaces and picnic area on lower terrace, and interpretive signs for public education. The Report contemplates site desig...
Click here for full text