Cameron Park CSD has lake, new community center

Many may consider Cameron Park the hidden gem of El Dorado County after learning of all it has to offer. The Cameron Park Community Services District has been in operation and serving people throughout the county as well as visitors to the area since 1961.

“We serve all age groups and all demographics; it’s a true community center,” Mary Cahill, general manager, said of the Cameron Park Community Services District’s Community Center.

Conveniently located right off Highway 50, at 2502 Country Club Dr. in Cameron Park, the Community Center offers something for everyone. They have events, concerts, aquatic center, classroom and meeting spaces, dance rooms and a commercial kitchen. Community members are encouraged to use the facility for weddings, birthday parties, family events and business/corporation events.

“We cater to the community and what they like and react to,” Cahill said. “That’s a large way in which we measure success for the district — community involvement.”

Cahill said the district offers programs for everyone from tots to seniors and if a class or activity is not well received, the district will reevaluate whether they continue to offer it. Activity guides are produced three times a year and include entire lists and schedules of programs and events offered.

Giving youth life opportunities through these programs is another goal of the district. The district supported the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights as a way to expose children to the outdoors.

“They can learn to swim, go fishing or take a hike on a trail and everything they learn becomes a life skill,” Cahill said.

The district has a strong, vested interest in making sure children are water safe and know how to swim. It is a skill they will carry with them through life and one they can put to good use at Cameron Park Lake, another district commodity.

The Cameron Park Lake area features a swim lagoon, play areas and is the site for many events such as the Summer Spectacular in late June, the 4^th of July fireworks show, summer camps for youth and many other special events throughout the year.

“The lake has a beautiful country feel in the foothills,” Cahill said.

The driving force of the district is community; not only outside community members, but the staff of the district acting as one unit, as a community. The small staff works as a team to ensure the success and longevity of programs offered.

“The success of the district is collaboration and the spirit of teamwork,” Cahill said. “The board of directors, staff and community members have to be a team. It creates excitement. People really want to see things that are fun to do and that bring people together socially and having that vision lift the spirit of the community.”

Those in the community are encouraged to stop by the community center to visit, take a tour and learn more about what is being offered right in their own backyard. A new activity guide is set to be released soon and will also be available online at cameronpark.org where you will be able to read all about programs and events offered. A few upcoming events available to the community include the concert series which starts in January and a heart health event in collaboration with Marshall Hospital.

Cahill said the district is also always looking for people who have a talent and wish to teach a class through the district. Instructors are compensated and it is an opportunity to share your gift/talent with others.

“We want to be accessible and responsive to the public so we encourage people to contact us with any questions or if they have any new ideas,” Cahill said.

The district phone number is 530-677-2231.