The grand opening of Hewitt Park on Friday, April 3, 2026 attracted residents from all walks of life. Young, seasoned, four-legged, and two-legged gathered to congratulate the planning committee members such as Chuck Reynolds and Oroville’s mayor, David Pittman, who welcomed the throng of families eager to enjoy the waterworks.

Chuck Reynolds told residents about some of the up’s and down’s the planning and construction committee faced as they complete their project just over a year past the original date. But they were not derailed in their motivation to complete this public space for families looking for low cost ways to cool off over the summer months.

Last year temperatures broke record highs across California in the summer of 2025 and families felt the heat on their electric bills and finding third-spaces during summer vacation. Now, they can stroll over to Hewitt Park to let their kids cool off in the free waterproofed just for kids, reserve the barbecue for a birthday party where they watch over the massive playground, or get together with their friends to play pickleball on the brand new courts.

Safety was given a high priority by the building committee, who factored in security cameras in the parking lot during park hours from sunrise to dusk. Dogs are also welcome at Hewitt Park with a leash requirement outside of the designated leash-off areas. So all residents have to worry about is bringing enough sunscreen and snacks!