Nice's Hinman Park is one of several new parks projects under way around the county. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Public Services Department.

LAKE COUNTY – The county's park system is growing thanks to several new capital improvement projects, according to the county's parks official.

County Public Services Director Kim K. Clymire reported Friday on the park construction activities taking place on the Northshore and in Kelseyville.

The construction of a new 12-acre park in Nice on Hammond Avenue has started and will consist of a ballfield, playground equipment (that has already been installed) a restroom, picnic facilities, parking and possibly, if funds can be secured, a skate park, Clymire reported.

The Hammond Avenue park will be built in phases due to budget limitations, said Clymire, with parking, the ballfield, playground equipment and restroom being done as phase one. Additional landscaping and possibly the skate park will come at a later date.

The one-acre Hinman Park in Nice is being renovated and has recently received nice new stamped concrete sidewalks and a new lawn, according to Clymire. Lights, trees, shrubs and a new gazebo will be added soon.

The new one-acre Nylander Park on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks also is under construction, said Clymire.

A new playground has been installed, new concrete sidewalks installed and new trees have been planted, Clymire reported. A new sod lawn will be installed in the next couple of weeks followed by benches, tables trash/recycling receptacles and lights. Perimeter sidewalks and parking are scheduled for spring of 2008.

County staff also is working with the Kelseyville Unified School District and residents of the Riviera to construct a four-acre park on school district property adjacent to the Riviera Elementary School, said Clymire.

Plans are being developed that include a ballfield, playground, restroom and parking and will be presented to the Board of Supervisors, the school board and the state for approval in the next few months, Clymire added. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008.

Several of these projects are months ahead of schedule and are being done in addition to regular maintenance, which Clymire attributed to the hard work being done by the county park's staff.

Lake County boasts 17 Lake County Parks consisting of approximately 275 acres that provide lake access, boat launching, fishing, softball, swimming, tennis, basketball, picnicking, hiking and more, said Clymire.

He stated that none of the county's impressive parks would be possible without the hard working and dedicated county employees and volunteers with whom he is lucky to be working.

For additional park information, visit the county's Web site at www.lakecounty.com and click on “Parks and Public Lands” or call the Parks Office at 707-262-1618.

A new bench at Hinman Park in Nice. Photo courtesy of Lake County Public Services Department.

Nice's Hinman Park already has new playground equipment in place. Photo courtesy of Lake County Public Services Department.

Some of the new trees that will grace Nylander Park in Clearlake Oaks. Photo courtesy of Lake County Public Services Department.

Nylander Park in Clearlake Oaks also will feature playground equipment. Photo courtesy of Lake County Public Services Department.

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