IMPROVEMENTS UNDER WAY
Today, Hewitt Park is undergoing a major facility upgrade, including more parking
with additional trees for shading, a water feature, modern playgrounds, designated
Bocce Ball area, picnic tables and group picnic shade shelter area.
Join us in welcoming the positive changes Oroville is experiencing.
The park is scheduled to open for public usage in 2006.
THANK YOU WESTERN PACIFIC
7.55 Acres - Hewitt Park is located between
Myers Street and Spencer Avenue, Baldwin Avenue and Park Avenue.
Western Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 164. was donated by the Western
Pacific Railroad in July 1959.
HISTORY
John Boughton Hewitt came to Butte County during the 1860's. He
was a well known miner in the County. Hewitt was actively engaged
in hydraulic mining in the area surrounding Oroville, until the
process of hydraulic mining was banned in the 1880's. Hewitt was
employed with the Feather River and Ophir Water Company Works
for 30 years.
AN EARLY TRAINING FACILITY
In the 1940's, a rooming house was built on the present parksite
by the Western Pacific Railroad to house its train crew workers.
The rooming house was in the vicinity of the front lawn area that
exists in the park today. In 1950, the City acquired approximately
two acres of land and the rooming house from the Western Pacific
Railroad. In 1954, the Fire Marshall condemned the building and,
by 1955, the building was torn down.
EXPANDING BOUNDARIES
In 1957, the city purchased additional land from Western Pacific
Railroad. The main parking area in Hewitt Park was purchased from
Corporan and Collinson, a Chrysler Dealership, in 1958. In 1961,
the City purchased more land from Corporan and Collinson, which
now makes up the balance of the present park area as it exists
today.
Click here for more information on Park Reservation Fees.
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