Monday, 25 February 2008 00:46

Upcountry Community Council Meeting

slide16.pngThe Upcountry Communities Council met last Thursday in the newly-restored Veteran’s Hall on Buckhorn Ridge Road in Pioneer. The main topic of discussion was the proposed Buena Vista casino. The main concern aired by upcountry residents was how the level of service of fire and law enforcement would be impacted if officers would now be called away on calls to two casinos. Also speaking at the meeting was Amador County Recreation Agency Director Tracey Towner-Yep, who gave a workshop-style presentation in order to gather input for a twenty-two acre section of land off of Tabeau Road in Pine Grove.

The land was recently donated to ACRA by Sharon Lundgren of Volcano Communications, and is intended for recreational use as a park. Towner-Yep asked for input from upcountry residents as to how they would envision the park, as well as listing the components they would like to see in the park. Among the ideas generated were running and bike trails, a swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater, a community center with a food court, a par course and a bocci ball course.

Some concern was voiced as to the efforts and funding going towards the newly-proposed park when the already existing parks, such as Molly Joyce and Pioneer Park, were still in need of improvements and upkeep. Current concerns included the presence of cigar and cigarette butts, and dog waste on park grounds, repair of the bleachers at Molly Joyce Park, and the consumption of alcohol at the Pioneer softball park, especially with children present. Towner-Yep greatly appreciated being made aware of the issues and input, and said that maintenance, repair and improvement plans for all parks in Amador County are on the “to-do” list consistent with ACRA’s Park and Recreation Master Plan.