RJM's design of Bass Lake Regional Park, for the County of El Dorado, CA, resulted from a series of Public Workshop sessions. The philosophy of these sessions revolved around the concept that everyone is inherently creative and can contribute to the creative planning process. During the first workshop the participants began with a "Site Awareness Tour" which gave attendees an opportunity to experience the area first hand. Through hiking the grounds hearing the wildlife and engaging all the senses participants generated possible solutions to such questions such as what are potential public uses for the "no touch" lake facility.

Following the tour attendees discussed site characteristic, potential issues and desired facilities. The participants were then divided into three groups and given the opportunity to design a plan that responded to the earlier discussions. RJM's final Master Plan is a direct result of the designs and input from the community workshop.

A major design goal of RJM for Bass Lake Regional Park was to maintain the rural characteristic of the area. This issue was address in a variety of ways. The creation of open buffer areas between facilities connected with meandering roads achieved an open flowing character. Parking nodes were located close to various facilities for convenient and grading kept to a minimum by avoiding areas that slope is greater then 10%. Riparian plantings encourage wildlife habitat along the edge of the pond while improving aesthetics and a foot bridge brings visitors closer to nature.

RJM's design for Bass Lake Park achieved its goal of preserving the natural environment while maintaining a regional focus with a variety of recreational activities.

The following is a summary list of the features and facilities of the proposed master plan for Bass Lake Regional Park:

• Multi-use loop trail system (bicycle and pedestrian)
• Picnic areas (Group and Individual Family sizes) with shade structures
• Parking for 355 cars
• Two lighted softball/baseball fields
• +/-3500 s.f. nature center/community meeting room
• Four tennis courts (two lighted)
• One basketball court
• Three restroom facilities (one with a combination concession facility)
• Three playground areas
• A maintenance and grounds keeping building/area
• A disc golf course
• A protected wetland pond
• Interpretive nature hike along Bass Lake shoreline