Organizers of Friends of Arnold Meadow told a packed community meeting in Arnold that they intend to raise funds and apply for grants to purchase a 36‑acre parcel now marketed for private sale and to build an elevated, accessible boardwalk that would protect wetland habitat while providing pedestrian connections across town.

The effort, presented by local volunteers and supported in remarks by Calaveras County officials and regional partners, centers on acquiring the parcel so the county can own the land while a nonprofit would manage day‑to‑day operations. Organizers said grant programs the group has discussed with the Council of Governments (COG) and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy could cover land purchase and initial construction, and that community involvement will be required for grant applications.

Why it matters: the meadow sits between two halves of Arnold and contributors said a boardwalk could let people move between neighborhoods, access the Arnold Rim Trail and protect wetlands that organizers said support wildlife, including a reported five river otters. Organizers emphasized connectivity, wetland protection and accessibility — including wheelchair access — as priorities for any design and said parking, restrooms and liability arrangements will need to be worked out if the site becomes a public park.

What organizers described: at the meeting volunteers showed historic photos and a map of the meadow, described a concept for raised boardwalks and listed short‑term aims: form a 501(c)(3) to receive donations and manage the site, document community vision and mission language, and pursue regional grants and partners to buy the land.

County and regional contacts: the meeting included remarks that county staff and local officials are positive about the project. Organizers said they have spoken with Calaveras County leaders (including County CEO Theresa Hitchcock), with Kathy Gallino in economic development and with the COG (Melissa Raggio). They also said the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and a U.S. Forest Service contact (Amanda Sue Follendor) had expressed interest in site visits and possible grant support.

Funding and ownership approach: presenters said their working model is for the county to own the parcel and a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit to run the park and accept tax‑deductible donations. Organizers said grant programs might provide sufficient funds to purchase the meadow; they also noted that private donors prefer giving to nonprofit organizations for tax purposes.

Constraints and questions noted at the meeting: speakers warned the site is within a flood zone and that zoning and environmental conditions limit development options. Organizers reported an internal estimate of market value near $500,000 but noted the parcel was listed at about $1.6 million, creating a funding gap. Practical needs such as parking requirements, restroom availability (the presenters noted an existing golf course restroom building on site that may be relevant), liability insurance and long‑term maintenance were raised repeatedly as issues that must be resolved before a public park declaration.

Next steps: organizers said the immediate priority is establishing a 501(c)(3), a process attendees were told can take roughly three to six months. They also said they will post meeting notes and collected ideas on a project website and planned follow‑up site walks with a COG consultant and representatives from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. Organizers signaled intention to schedule a larger public meeting after they have completed additional homework and preliminary meetings with grant partners.

Community input and ideas: meeting attendees offered dozens of ideas for amenities (benches and signage about flora and fauna, boardwalk linkages, interpretive history panels, disc golf, wildlife viewing, wheelchair‑accessible routes and restrictions on motorized vehicles). Presenters emphasized they will retain suggestions but said the initial grant effort will focus mainly on acquiring the meadow and building the first boardwalk access.

No formal votes or government actions were taken at the meeting; organizers characterized the event as an information and community‑vision session to support subsequent grant applications and nonprofit formation.

Ending: organizers asked residents to submit additional ideas by email (friendsofarmondmeadow@gmail.com — as listed at the meeting) and said they will continue posting updates on social media and the project website while pursuing nonprofit status and grant partnerships as the next concrete steps toward acquiring and protecting the meadow.