The massive and majestic Hooker Oak that stood at this site was named in honor of the renowned British botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. Before it fell on May 1, 1977, it was acclaimed as the largest Valley Oak in the world. Its recorded measurements were age 326 years, height 105 feet, perimeter 481 feet, longest limb 112 feet, trunk circumference 28 feet, and area under the tree 18,000 square feet. Preservation of the Hooker Oak tree stump, the children’s play area, and the Bidwell Park guide map is in memory of Elmer Brouillard, Chico Fire Chief from 1953 to 1977, as a 1986-1987 Chico Rotary Club project.