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We have some exciting news to share. Firstly, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website! The site showcases our beautiful parks and aims to enhance the digital experience for those interested in our parks and our mission. Additionally, we have witnessed the significant impact of several NVSPA-funded projects that were completed in recent years, thanks to supporters like you! These projects have greatly improved the summer experience for park visitors and staff. This includes: The pedestrian bridge at the Bale Grist Mill has been completed, and the mill was reopened in June with a safe walkway to enter the park. The pool at Bothe has been resurfaced and is now open for summer activities. Remember the old joke about park staff adding ice cubes to the water because it was so cold? Well, that's no longer the case. While ice cubes were never added to the pool, it did suffer from significant leaks, requiring constant refilling, which prevented the water from warming up. With the cracks sealed in the pool along with the summer weather, the water temperature is up to 82 degrees! The perfect refreshing temperature to cool off and enjoy the pool this summer! We installed air conditioning in the Bothe visitors' center, which provides a comfortable working environment for park staff and a refuge for visitors.
Despite the recent heat waves and fire scares near our parks, the parks are in full swing during this busy season. Both Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park had small fires of 1 acre and 40 acres, respectively, which occurred outside of the park boundaries. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and their prompt response, both fires were quickly contained. Due to the hot and dry weather conditions and red flag warnings, a fire ban is in effect for the remainder of the dry season at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which includes all wood fires and BBQs with briquettes. However, propane fire pits and grills are still allowed, so visitors can still enjoy cooking food while camping or BBQing in the day-use picnic area. In other news, we eagerly anticipate the Vine Trail opening, just one month away! Join us on August 17th for a community opening day celebration for the newest Napa Valley Vine Trail section, which runs from St. Helena to Calistoga. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet-up rides will depart from Twomey Winery throughout the morning. At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, there will be a variety of activities to enjoy throughout the day. Ray-Ray's Tacos will be selling their delicious food, and the pool will have extended hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a refreshing swim. Join us for an Introduction to Bothe & Nature Hike at 9 a.m. to explore our beautiful trails, or bring the kids to the Junior Rangers program at 10 a.m. While you're at the park, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to explore the museum and gift shop and treat yourself to some ice cream! Bothe is an excellent starting point for exploring the vine trail once it opens, providing a convenient parking location right in the heart of the new section of the trail. Become an NVSPA member to enjoy year-round parking access and make the most of your trail experience. Sincerely, Napa Valley State Parks Association
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