[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE DEDICATION OF RIVERBEND PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to acknowledge and celebrate 
a momentous day in the history of the City of Oroville (City), 
California, a community I have the honor of representing in the House 
of Representatives. On May 5, 2006, local residents will join 
representatives from the City, the Feather River Park and Recreation 
District (District), the California State Water Contractors, the 
California Department of Water Resources (DWR), and several other 
entities to dedicate Riverbend Park. This dedication is the culmination 
of a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders and is a very 
positive development for the residents of Oroville and the surrounding 
areas.
  Enhancements to Riverbend Park have been ongoing for the better part 
of 25 years. But only now, during the final stages of DWR's relicensing 
of hydroelectric facilities at nearby Lake Oroville, are the sparkling 
visions of local officials and residents for this property being 
realized. During the last five years of negotiations with state 
authorities, local officials made it clear that this project was a 
priority for the community. DWR responded by making Riverbend Park a 
Special Project as part of the relicensing process and pledged 
financial assistance and personnel to make the improvements sought by 
the City and District. While more projects are scheduled, District 
officials have already significantly improved the area by upgrading and 
restoring public access to the Oroville Wildlife Area Ponds, placing 
Americans with Disability Act compliant restrooms on site, installing a 
water well pump for irrigation and fire suppression, and constructing 
better barriers to deter illegal trespassing and dumping. Presently, 
the 210 acres that make up Riverbend Park provide outstanding 
opportunities for hikers, fishermen, bird watchers, wildlife viewers, 
disc golfers, and other recreation enthusiasts.
  The Feather River, which runs adjacent to Riverbend Park, has long 
been a focal point of the Oroville community. Before the construction 
of the Oroville Dam many years ago, area residents and visitors enjoyed 
numerous forms of recreation in and on the Feather River. Now, the 
construction of Riverbend Park has helped to usher in a new and 
positive era in the City, punctuated by a renewed focus on quality 
development along the Feather River. I am pleased to commemorate this 
phase of the development and look forward to future improvements along 
this important natural feature.
  Mr. Speaker, today I join with the people of Oroville, their elected 
officials, and District staff as they celebrate the exciting occasion 
of dedicating Riverbend Park. As a showcase for the entire region and a 
safe place for people of all ages, I am sure Riverbend Park and the 
amenities it offers will make a lasting impression on residents and 
visitors to the area for decades to come. I congratulate area leaders 
and citizens as they commemorate this momentous occasion.

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