Early Saturday morning, June 1, 2002, community participants of the Bertelsen Park, in El Dorado Hills, workshop grabbed a doughnut and a cup of "Joe" to charge their creative muscles. As the energy began to flow the attendees toured the current facilities, discussed in small groups likes and dislikes of the park, and developed plans for a park they would enjoy.

Participants agreed on a variety of items in relation to the park facilities and budget constraints. It was decided that the maintenance budget didn't allow for the existing pool to be maintained but that a water feature was a nice attribute to the park. The plans call for the old pool to be filled in and paved over and replaced with a water sprayground and a large patio for picnicking. Spraygrounds are a new possibility in park design which are created on level ground and include various interactive water features such as spray guns or flowers that shoot water out of them. Many participants desired a turf volleyball, basketball court and renovated parking lot. Everyone agreed (including the dogs) that more shade areas should be added and the pavilion restroom facilities updated.

The excellent ideas of the workshop participants led to the consensus design for Bertelsen Park. The new park facilities will provide fun for everyone and create a long lasting, beautiful landscape contributing value to the neighborhood. The future basketball court location will be determined in further improvemets and to get the most out of the budget the new developments will compliment the existing, quality, play structures.

Please feel free to email Dianna Hillyer , Director of Planning and Special Projects at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, with any comments and/or concerns.