West Point Town Square

Congratulations West Point, Wilseyville and the Blue Mountain Region!

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The non-profit organization that owns the Blue Mountain Theater in West Point, Blue Mountain Players, recently purchased the vacant lot at the corner of Main Street and Pine Street in downtown West Point with plans to make it into a community park. The official name for the park is the West Point Town Square. The purchase was made with funds donated by community members, families and friends.

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The West Point Town Square will be space dedicated to the community for use as a place to relax and enjoy the downtown area. Amenities will include a walkway, a stage for events, a children’s play area, picnic tables, a Native American feature, a water feature, landscaping with plants and trees, and a restroom. A preliminary design for the town square has been created by Wilseyville resident and architect Kurt von Puttkammer.

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To see it through to completion, the project will rely on community volunteers, work parties and funds raised through community donations. A GoFundMe campaign has been established. Donations can be made through GoFundMe or directly to the Blue Mountain Players.

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The group will announce community meetings as the project moves forward to include local residents in the planning and implementation of the project.

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The property was purchased for $43,000, plus closing costs, using donated funds. While the property is now owned outright by the group with no mortgage payments, expenses for the space are ongoing before the space takes shape. Expenses include $320.00 bi-monthly fees to Calaveras County Water District for the sewer and water hookups on the property. There will also be ongoing expenses for electricity and insurance. The group recently paid $2,500 to PG&E to begin work on dropping power onto the parcel.

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“The theater is partnering with the community to create a welcoming green space in the heart of this tiny Sierra Foothill village,” said organizer Vicki Snead-Hinkell. “Currently a vacant lot, we envision creating a space to play, picnic and perform. We raised funds to purchase the lot, but that is just the beginning.”

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Additional funds will be required for county permits, design fees, playground equipment, soils testing, construction, restrooms, irrigation, a water feature, and ongoing maintenance and insurance.