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LUMSDEN PARK will reopen to the public April 13. Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum
Lumsden Park, closed since the fall of 2012, will reopen on April 13, just in time for the 26th annual Spring Fishing Derby and Casting Contest.
“We’re working on the park now that the weather is good,” said Steve Youel, director of Placerville Community Services. “People will see a new entrance gate and newly renovated restrooms; we’re resurfacing the playground and redoing the picnic area. We’ve also added signage that the city park is open dawn to dusk only. That, along with the locking gate, should encourage families to come back to a healthy and active park.”
The announcement was made at the March 12 Placerville City Council meeting. One of the positive benefits of closing the park for renovation, Youel said later, was that a lunchtime feeding station for the homeless, which had been conducted at the park, moved to another location.
Families with children avoided the park, which often had groups of homeless gathered there. Placerville Police Chief George Nielsen said he had worked with Community Services to put up the additional signage and the locking entrance gate to discourage a similar situation from reoccurring when the park reopens.
“Law enforcement will also provide a presence to support the reopening of the park and we are strictly enforcing the no illegal camping ordinance,” said Nielsen.
The Fishing Derby is a free event for children from toddler age through eighth grade and sponsored by the Placerville Lions and Kiwanis clubs. On Saturday, April 13, toddlers to second graders fish from 9 to 11 a.m. with third through eighth grade children fishing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The casting contest occurs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
A free lunch will be provided by the Placerville Kiwanis Club. No pre-registration is required. Participants must bring their own fishing equipment, but fishing licenses are not required during the Derby. There is a four fish limit per participant.
After the Derby is over for the day, the pond will be open to the public for fishing, but fishing licenses will be required.
Lumsden Pond will be stocked with 500 pounds of fish, compliments of the El Dorado County Fish and Game Commission, said Youel. “Hopefully we’ll get good weather, but the derby happens rain or shine.”
For more information about the Spring Fishing Derby or about Lumsden Park, call 530-642-5232.
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LpMarch 15, 2013 - 1:19 am
Really? It's safe now? Thank God the signage is there! And a gate to boot? Let's hope that will keep out the scum. At least its a step in the right direction!