It takes a village – and $250,000
by Susan Skinner

Carmichael - Activist Joyce Carroll has galvanized a neighborhood into saving over 13 acres of Carmichael’s sparse remaining open lands. Deputy Commissioner of the California State Juvenile Parole Board, Carroll lives near undeveloped park land on Jan Drive and knows the value of open spaces in community life.

“Humans are meant to connect with nature,” she explains. “We don’t do well in concrete jungles. And it’s been proven that having access to open spaces is especially important for children.”

Part of the old San Juan land grant, the Jan Dr acres were part of a farm owned by the Jan family. Slated for a school site but later acquired by the Carmichael Recreation and Park District, the land has lain fallow over 30 years. It offers walking trails, wild flowers, heritage oaks and a home for hundreds of birds and animals.

The park district lacked funds to develop a much-needed park here for families in neighboring blocks. Selling a quarter of the land to fund improvements was an option eschewed by the neighbors. “When public lands are sold, they are lost forever,” says Carroll. “Rarely does the public benefit.” Over 35 families have joined Carroll in forming the Barrett Hills Neighborhood Association, named for a pioneer family that first farmed this part of Carmichael. The group recently reached an agreement with park administrators: in money or in labor, neighbors will provide half the $500,000 cost to keep the reserve intact and develop its facilities. The park district will fund the remainder.

Plans will upgrade walking trails and provide a bridge across a central drainage ditch. A small grassed area will allow picnics; the park will also have a flagstaff monument. Most of the trees and wilderness areas will remain as a bird and animal habitat.

A former president of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and founder of the North Area Teen Center, Carroll is no stranger to fundraising. A rummage sale at the park raised $2400. Commemorative bricks (selling for $125 each) are available. Neighbor and civil engineer Doug McElhinney has donated over $40,000 in hours to get his “No Land Sale Master Plan” plan accepted by the County. Teichert Construction is providing assistance at a subsidized cost.

“We hope to break ground on the development before spring of 2011,” says Joyce Carroll. “We’ve already done a lot of work but we still have tons to do.”

Donations are welcomed for the fundraiser rummage sale at Jan Park on June 5. Learn about the park development at www.savejanpark.com.