Local players hope for Chico bocce courts
CHICO >> Local bocce players who hope to put in a public court have come to the Chico Area Recreation and Park District for help.
Last week, a group presented the idea for two covered facilities at Oak Way Park at Nord Avenue and West Eighth Avenue, which CARD operates. The park, which is adjacent to Emma Wilson Elementary School, already contains a basketball court, but much of the area is open and grassy.
Chico Bocce, which is a 501(c)3 program, hopes to get CARD’s blessing on the project, according to its president, Christian Motta.
A letter, along with comments from several supporters, was presented to the board last week. The board expressed interest, and sent it to the new Facilities Committee for further study.
The game is played on a flat, rectangular court with balls, and is also known as Italian lawn bowling.
Supporters say the game is popular in Chico, which does not have a public court. Most play is on private, backyard courts, Motta said. Chico Bocce suggested that the public courts could be used by all ages of players and all abilities.
Motta said this week that CARD recommended Oak Way for the location, but where the final site could be is still up in the air. The design is still preliminary, so a cost estimate was not available, he said this week.
“Our mission includes outreach,” Motta said, “to more people and younger people.”
The group said its goal is to use these courts to draw players from around the state as well as hold youth camps and host tournaments in coordination with individuals from the Special Olympics and Ability First. The local chapter of Sons of Italy is also supportive.
Motta said the group hopes to have CARD build the facility, which would contain four courts, with the nonprofit providing guidance on design. The CARD board has told other groups making recreation requests they are responsible for funding.
Newly elected CARD Chair Tom Lando told the group last week, “I think you’ll find the board is supportive.”
Earlier he had told the group that if Measure A passed, there could be funding available.
Measure A is the proposed parcel tax that will appear on the March 3 ballot. It calls for an $85 tax on commercial and residential parcels.
Lando said he and
CARD director Michael McGinnis had visited courts in Sacramento with bocce club member Denver Latimer.
Motta said the group holds several tournaments over the year, as well as league play. A spring league starts in March. Motta said having public courts could attract players from outside the area, as well as expand the use in Chico.
The group has a website www.chicobocce.com and a Facebook page. Tournaments are planned in May, June and July.