When Chico's summer temperatures climb into the triple digits (and they will), there's no better place to cool off than Sycamore Pool at Bidwell Park's One Mile Recreation Area. Best of all, it's completely free for the community to use. Fed by the cool waters of Big Chico Creek, the pool is refreshing and relaxing, making it the perfect place to float, splash around with the kids, or simply escape the afternoon heat. Sycamore and Oak trees provide plenty of natural shade around the grassy lawn, and there's ample parking off Vallombrosa Avenue or side parking lots. Bring a blanket and your cooler packed with drinks and snacks, claim a spot under the trees or grab one of the picnic tables. But, if you're visiting on a weekend, arriving before late morning is your best bet as the most desirable spots fill up quickly.
People bring their kids here because their own parents brought them here first. After a swim, families spread out on the grass for a picnic, toss a Frisbee, ride bikes along the miles of trails winding through Bidwell Park, or simply enjoy a day outdoors together. It's the kind of place that turns an ordinary weekend into a memorable one.
One thing to keep in mind before you head out: Sycamore Pool is closed every Thursday for its weekly cleaning. The City of Chico drains the entire basin, thoroughly cleans it, and refills it before reopening. It's a level of maintenance you don't often see at a free public swimming area, and it's one of the reasons Sycamore Pool remains one of Chico's best places to spend a hot summer day. Looking for a fun, economical way to spend a hot summer day with your family? Sycamore Pool is your answer.
