The Future of Panorama Park in Redding
Exciting developments are on the horizon for the City of Redding, as plans for Panorama Park and Community Resiliency Center move forward with substantial new funding and an enhanced vision for serving the community. With the support of a $9.25 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Community Resilience Centers Program, Panorama Park is poised to become a one-of-a-kind destination for recreation and emergency support in Redding. Here's what residents can look forward to when this transformative project is complete.
A park that fosters community
Panorama Park will span over 10 acres, providing a wealth of amenities to the Northwest quadrant of Redding. Picture this: lush landscaping, scenic trails, a vibrant playground, a spacious sports field, and even a dedicated dog park. This community park is designed for everyone, from families looking for a fun day out to fitness enthusiasts ready to hit the trails. It will be a place where Redding residents can relax, play, and connect.
More than a recreation hub
At the heart of Panorama Park will be a 22,000+ square-foot Community Resiliency Center, a first-of-its-kind facility in Redding. During regular times, the center will be a bustling hub of recreational activities. Equipped with a public gymnasium, basketball courts, classroom spaces, restrooms, and a kitchen, the center will host community programs, sports events, and educational workshops.
But here’s where Panorama Park truly stands out: the center is designed to seamlessly transform into a critical emergency resource when disaster strikes. The grant funding will enable the center to be equipped with essential features like backup power, solar panels, showers, a fully functional kitchen, and extra storage. In times of crisis, it will provide shelter and vital services to residents who need them most.
Emergency preparedness
The need for a dedicated resiliency center became evident during the Carr Fire of 2018, a devastating event that displaced thousands of residents. At that time, evacuees had to rely on local schools, churches, and hotels for shelter, as Redding lacked a purpose-built emergency facility. This experience underscored the importance of having a centralized community center to provide support during emergencies. With the completion of the Community Resiliency Center, Redding will be much better prepared to care for its residents, offering a safe and well-equipped space for those affected by future disasters.
The funding that made it possible
Securing additional funds for this ambitious project was no small feat. In 2021, the City of Redding received an $8.5 million California State Parks grant, laying the groundwork for Panorama Park. The recent $9.25 million grant from the Community Resilience Centers Program, awarded to only five communities across the state in a highly competitive selection process, brings the city’s vision closer to reality.
“With the rise of construction costs over the last few years, this additional funding is critical to the success of the community’s original vision for Panorama Park,” says Community Services Director Travis Menne. “The proposed move to turn the designed recreation center into a community resiliency center only makes this project more valuable to the community.”
A vision for the future
Planning for Panorama Park is well underway, and construction is expected to begin in 2025. Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance the Redding Parks system but also provide peace of mind to residents, knowing that their community is prepared for emergencies. Beyond disaster readiness, the park and center will enrich daily life for locals, offering a place to play, learn, and come together.
Community members and visitors alike can look forward to a park that embodies both recreation and resilience, providing a model for how public spaces can be both enjoyable and functional in times of need.
Stay tuned for more updates as Redding continues to build a stronger, more resilient future for all.
Support Panorama Park on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, the Redding Parks and Trails Foundation is launching a campaign to fund essential amenities for Panorama Park. Your contributions can directly support the purchase of:
Benches: $2,500 each
Trees: $500 each
Sports Equipment: Contributions starting at $50
Pickleball Nets: $3,000 each (4 needed)
Volleyball Nets: $5,000 each (2 needed)
By donating any amount, you can help provide these vital features, ensuring that Panorama Park is a welcoming and well-equipped space for all. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings the community closer to realizing this vision.
To participate in the Giving Tuesday campaign and make a donation, please click here or visit our Giving Tuesday campaign page here. Your support will make a lasting impact on the community, creating a space that fosters both recreation and resilience.