Carlson Park Improvements Project: Building recreationcal resources for the neighborhood

Valley West Arcata will gain a new playground, pickleball court, EV charging station and other amenities under the Carlson Park Improvements Project. 

“With these improvements, we’re really looking to transition the use of this space,” said Emily Sinkhorn, the Environmental Services Director with the City of Arcata. “And with these recreation amenities we feel this will really make a  much more welcoming park and flexible open space for the community.”

The Carlson Park Improvements Project is the city of Arcata’s latest effort to create more recreational resources in Valley West. This project includes building a new playground, a dedicated special event space, parking area, an EV charging station, and pickleball court. In addition, trail improvements for access to Mad River for a non-motorized boat launching ramp are also included. 

“Now we’re under construction,” Sinkhorn said. “We’re on track to be open at the end of the summer.”

Progress on the playground being built this month all depends on current weather conditions. At the Arcata City Council Meeting this week, officials said their goal is continued priorities for improvements for infrastructure and beautification in the Valley West neighborhood.

“This project is a result and is directly kind of comes from the community asking for these improvements,” Sinkhorn said. “As well as our city council prioritizing Valley West improvements as a goal.”

The Carlson Park Improvements Project is only one effort the city is making to improve Valley West. They are currently working on a opening a community center and adding the Annie and Mary Trail Connectivity Project. Both these efforts are currently in the design phase.

The Annie and Mary trail plans for a pedestrian and bicycle route from Valley West to Cal Poly Humboldt and Downtown Arcata. The Carlson Park Improvements Project are slated to be finished by the end of this summer.