Park History

Western Gateway Park was officially dedicated on July 3, 1976.  The land the park sits upon was originally a part of the Dykeman Ranch but in the years before it became a park, it was owned by Boise Cascade. When Boise Cascade was negotiating with Nevada County in the early 1970s to develope Lake Wildwood, part of the negotiation was creating a recreational park, Members of the Penn Valley and Rough and Ready communities came together to turn Western Gateway Park into a reality.  The park's name stems from it's geographical location as the western gateway to 'Gold Country.' We are grateful for the many community volunteers who helped create our beautiful park.

Two men standing near the park's entrance, circa 1975.
Park entrance garden, circa 1976
The original Buttermaker's Cottage, captured in black and white.
Original Buttermaker's Cottage
A black-and-white photo of the original Buttermaker's Cottage surrounded by overgrown vegetation and trees.
Original Buttermaker's Cottage
A black-and-white image of the newly created park entrance with signs for "Western Gateway Park," including speed limit and closing times.
View of park entrance, circa 1976
A black and white image of the newly installed basketball court surrounded by trees.
View of newly installed basketball courts, circa 1976
A black-and-white photo of four park volunteers sitting outdoors, engaged in conversation, with trees in the background.
Two men standing near the park's entrance, circa 1975.
The original Buttermaker's Cottage, captured in black and white.
A black-and-white photo of the original Buttermaker's Cottage surrounded by overgrown vegetation and trees.
A black-and-white image of the newly created park entrance with signs for "Western Gateway Park," including speed limit and closing times.
A black and white image of the newly installed basketball court surrounded by trees.
A black-and-white photo of four park volunteers sitting outdoors, engaged in conversation, with trees in the background.