Caldwell Park

Caldwell Park is a scenic urban oasis stretching along the banks of the Sacramento River in Redding, USA. Spanning an impressive territory of about 74 acres, this place serves as a perfect example of how nature can harmoniously coexist with urban infrastructure. The park is famous for its biodiversity: more than 50 species of trees grow here, providing dense shade for visitors.

For travelers, it is not just a green zone, but a full-fledged leisure center. Here, you can encounter local birds, walk along well-kept lawns, or engage in sports in modern activity zones. The park grew out of an old ranch territory and, over the decades, has turned into a key point of attraction for everyone who values fresh air and an active lifestyle.

The site's multifunctionality adds special significance: an aquatic center, an arts center, and famous specialized areas for extreme sports are located on its territory. Thanks to its high rating among visitors, Caldwell Park is considered a must-see on a Northern California itinerary for families and nature lovers.

For more information about events or visiting rules, you can use the official communication channels. The city administration maintains the park's infrastructure and provides up-to-date information on its resource.

In this park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether it is quiet nature contemplation or extreme sports. Fans of leisurely recreation can head for a walk along the walking trails that wind along the Sacramento River, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching and studying local flora. The shaded alleys are perfect for running or relaxed reading on the grass.

For those who prefer movement, Caldwell Park offers an impressive choice of activities. A modern skate park and the unique Redding Bike Park are located here. The latter includes a huge pump track, jump lines of varying difficulty, and special mountain bike skills trails. There is even a junior version of the track for the little ones, making the park a great place for a family sports outing.

The park's infrastructure facilities add additional value. During the warm season, the aquatic center is open for swimming, and for culture lovers, the doors of the North Valley Art League center are open. After an active day, you can set up lunch in one of the equipped picnic areas, enjoying the river view and the cool shade of ancient trees.

Getting to this picturesque spot is easy. Caldwell Park is conveniently located at 3 Quartz Hill Rd. If you are traveling by car, look for Quartz Hill Road or the Market Street bridge—these are the main access routes from the central part of the city. There is free parking on-site, which was updated as part of the recent bike park expansion.

For those who prefer public transport, the RMTD bus network operates in Redding. Stops are within walking distance of the park entrance; however, it is recommended to check the current schedule for routes going to Quartz Hill Road in advance. You can also always use taxi services or popular ridesharing apps.

A bicycle ride or a walk will provide extra pleasure. Since the park is integrated into Redding's extensive river trail network (such as the FB Trail), it is easy to reach from neighboring recreation areas like Lake Redding Park. This makes the route more than just a commute, but a full part of an excursion through the city's natural beauty.

This place owes its existence and name to Claude H. Caldwell, an outstanding community figure in Redding. A World War II veteran and an attorney, Caldwell passionately believed in the need for a public space on the riverbank. He actively fought against the commercial development of the waterfront, persuading city authorities to purchase parcels of the former Benton Ranch to create the park.

Unfortunately, Claude himself did not see the final triumph of his ideas: he passed away in 1960 at the age of 40. In honor of his contribution, Caldwell Memorial Park was officially opened on July 1, 1961. It originally occupied about 37 acres, but over time the territory doubled, turning into the modern multifunctional complex we see today.

Interestingly, in different decades, various cultural objects were located on the park's territory, including museums of art, science, and history. The modern chapter of the park's history is marked by major grants that allowed for the 2022 opening of one of the region's best skate parks and a unique bike park, confirming the location's status as a hub of active city life.

For a leisurely stroll along the shaded alleys, enjoying the river views, and seeing the park's main features, most visitors need about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time for an introductory walk and a short rest on one of the lawns.

If you plan to actively use the sports infrastructure—for example, visiting the skate park, bike park, or spending time at the aquatic center—it is worth setting aside half a day (about 3-4 hours). For families with children planning a picnic and playground time, the park can easily become a destination for the entire weekend.

Caldwell Park is open to the public daily, making it easy to include in your travel plan any day of the week. Official operating hours for the grounds are:

Monday — Sunday: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

Please note that individual facilities within the park, such as the aquatic center, skate park, or recreation center, may have their own schedules, which sometimes change depending on the season or community events.

A visit to Caldwell Park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the city. Its proximity to the Sacramento River and central districts makes this location an excellent starting point for further exploration of the surroundings, whether they be architectural monuments or cozy local spots.

Below are the sites located in the immediate vicinity of the park that can complement your walk: