Oroville Master Plan Receives APA Chapter Award of Excellence

A master plan to establish an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District in Oroville, California, was recognized with an Award of Excellence, Economic Development category, from the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Planning Association.

The plan is an urban design plan and economic revitalization study for the downtown of Oroville, one of the most historic small cities in California. The basis of the plan is to capitalize on the strength of the local art community, as well as the cultural history of the City, to revitalize the downtown as both a local and visitor destination. It included both a physical framework of new and existing venues as well as an economic strategy. The plan was approved by the City Council in early 2014 and the first steps toward implementation have begun.

Michael Smiley, Page/BMS Design Group Principal, attended the event with the Vice-Mayor, Community Development Director, and Senior Planner from Oroville and accepted the award. Other team members included Nancy Fleming, lead designer and project director; Joy Glasier, project planner and landscape architect; and Tim Honeck, designer.