By Adrian Villegas
Web & Communication Support Specialist
Hoopa Valley Tribe

The Hoopa Valley Tribe continues to make progress on the Hoopa Four Projects, a coordinated effort made possible by the Caltrans Clean California Initiative to revitalize four key community spaces: Pookey’s Park, the Jack Jarnaghan Rodeo and Event Center, Tish Tang Campground, and the Neighborhood Facilities. Together, these improvements support culture, recreation, safety, and long-term community gathering spaces.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe Planning Department is serving as the lead department for the Hoopa Four Projects, overseeing project coordination, funding compliance, and long-term planning to ensure each site reflects community needs and future sustainability. Nathan Sanger, Project Manager with the Planning Department, has led the design, planning, and implementation efforts and has worked on the initiative for nearly three years.

Pookey’s Park has undergone the most extensive improvements under the Hoopa Four initiative. Sanger shared that the redesign focuses on accessibility, youth activities, and long-lasting community use. Key upgrades include all new perimeter fencing, a nearly one-mile nature trail surrounding the entire park, and a fully rebuilt Little League field with new irrigation, proper field orientation, fencing, dugouts, and new grass. The playground area has been modernized with multi-level play structures, slides, wildlife-themed play features, and shaded seating areas to better support families and children. The softball field was also upgraded with new fencing, irrigation systems, new grass, and improved infield material. Renovated bathrooms, new ADA-accessible walkways, parking improvements, and updated landscaping further enhance the functionality and visual appeal of the park.

While the majority of work at Pookey’s Park was completed by the end of 2025, some minor finishing touches and fencing are expected to be completed by the end of January. A grand opening is planned for April or May of 2026, aligning with the start of the Little League season.

“The Little League field is probably the crown jewel,” Sanger said. “Everything there is brand new - from the irrigation system to the dugouts, backstops, grass, and fencing.”

He also expressed his appreciation for being part of the project.

“I’m really appreciative of being given the opportunity to work in the valley,” he said. “I hope this becomes a foundational piece for the community - something people can enjoy for a long time.”

The Jack Jarnaghan Rodeo and Event Center also received key upgrades to support community events such as horseback riding, livestock education, youth rodeo activities, and other gatherings. Completed improvements include entirely new perimeter fencing, select interior fencing, water infrastructure upgrades, and general site updates such as grading and leveling the parking area to enhance safety and support future events. While additional upgrades were originally planned for the Rodeo Grounds, the prioritization of Pookey’s Park and limited available funding reduced the scope of work completed during this phase. The Hoopa Valley Tribe and the Hoopa Rodeo Committee are actively seeking additional grant funding to complete improvements originally envisioned under the Hoopa Four Project.

Tish Tang Campground continues to serve as one of Hoopa’s most popular recreation areas, and recent upgrades have made it an even more welcoming destination for local families and visitors. The most notable additions are the new sauna and waterfall shower facilities, which have quickly become standout features that improve comfort and convenience for campground users.

“The new sauna and the waterfall showers are the biggest improvements,” Hoopa Valley Tribe Parks and Recreation Director Marion “Inker” McCovey said.

The upgraded showers and sauna are located near the campground entrance and restrooms, making them easily accessible to visitors. The hot water, cleanliness, and modern design have already received positive feedback from community members. Tish Tang remains a popular gathering place for families, friends, and visitors from outside the area who come to enjoy the river and the surrounding environment.

“It creates revenue for our community,” McCovey explained. “People come down, visit the museum, buy gas, shop at the stores - it brings outside dollars into the valley.”

From spring through fall, Tish Tang contributes significantly to local tourism and economic activity. Visitors frequently support nearby businesses, and the campground has also been used as a venue for special events including weddings, family reunions, concerts, and other gatherings.

“People like coming here because it’s clean and safe,” McCovey said. “It’s a great gathering place for everyone.”

Visitors are also greeted by a mural commissioned through the Hoopa Four Project and completed by renowned muralist Carl Avery, which welcomes guests as they approach the campground entrance.

McCovey shared that future possibilities are being explored, including the potential addition of an RV or fifth-wheel trailer rental to further expand revenue-generating opportunities at the campground. He emphasized shared responsibility and respect for the area in his message to the community.

“Treat it like it’s your home,” he said. “Respect the space and help keep it welcoming - because it’s the gateway to our valley.”

The final component of the Hoopa Four Projects includes improvements to the Neighborhood Facilities near the Tribal pool. While smaller in scale, these updates support an area frequently used by families and youth programs. Improvements include a new mural and minor site upgrades that enhance appearance and functionality, contributing to a more welcoming environment for community events and youth activities.

Each project included in the Hoopa Four initiative strengthens community life and enhances shared spaces throughout the valley. With Pookey’s Park nearing completion and continued improvements at Tish Tang Campground, the Jack Jarnaghan Rodeo and Event Center, and the Neighborhood Facilities, the Hoopa Valley Tribe remains committed to building long-term spaces that support recreation, culture, and community connection.