Paradise Tool Lending Library is Open for Business!

Oct 8

3 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

On September 24th and 26th, 2026, Regenerating Paradise celebrated the launch of the Paradise Tool Lending Library--alongside many of you! We had a great crowd at both events, and we want to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out to see us at our Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony or Grand Opening Party! It is the community that makes this project possible.

We're so excited to have reached this milestone!

Unveiling the Paradise Tool Lending Library

Regenerating Paradise unveiled the Paradise Tool Lending Library at the September 24 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Thank you to the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce for supporting us and all the businesses on the Ridge with special events like these. We'd also like to acknowledge Council Members Ron Lassonde and Heidi Lange for coming out to support these events.

The Ribbon-Cutting was the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the many organizations and individuals who have supported the Tool Library over the years.

These include:

Paradise Stronger
John Mendon
North Valley Community Foundation
Paradise Rotary Foundation
Transfer Flow
Quality Fence and Repair
Dylan Powell
Doug Calbreath
Spencer Mullen
Ed Myers and Sue Sterling
Jessie Roadkill
Marilyn Myers
Democratic Socialists of Chico
One Hat One Hand

And special thanks to our event partners: Paradise Stronger, Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Shelly Sparkles, Pedal Press, and Honest Nibbles. Thank you also to Paradise Art Center, Emily Alma, Chris Nelson, Jeannie Myers, and Heidi Lange for donating silent auction items.

Grand Opening Celebration

The Ribbon-Cutting was the preview; the Grand Opening Party was the main event. For the afternoon of September 26, folks could browse the Tool Library collection, explore the garden, or bid in the silent auction. We lucked out and had perfect weather for this community-focused event.

Mural Painting with Shelley Sparkles

The artistically inclined had a chance to put their mark on the Paradise Tool Lending Library mural. With guidance from local artist and Tool Library muralist Shelley Sparkles, volunteers added glorious color to Shelley's pre-painted outlines. The results of this paint-by-number approach were spectacular. Take a look!

Thank you, Shelley, for designing this delightful garden-inspired mural and involving local youth and volunteers in the painting process!

Live Screen Printing with Pedal Press

We invited Pedal Press because this organization shares Regenerating Paradise's commitment to supporting our community through education and sustainability. This nonprofit community arts organization teaches kids and adults how to use screen printing to express their own messages, art, and/or make money.

During the event, folks could bring a shirt from home or purchase a thrifted option and have it screen-printed with the Regenerating Paradise logo.

Charcuterie from Honest Nibbles

Providing food for this event was brand-new Ridge business, Honest Nibbles. Kiersti and Chey's charcuterie cart was the perfect choice for our event, and we loved having them there.

Plus, Chey won our inaugural Top Hammer on the Ridge Competition!

Top Hammer on the Ridge

The 1st Annual Top Hammer on the Ridge was heated! Ten competitors tested their carpentry prowess in this contest of strength and accuracy. Each person attempted to drive a nail into a hardened oak stump in as few strikes as possible.

In the end, after a prolonged tie-breaker with opponent Dylan Powell, Chey Lawson came out on top. Chey will have his name immortalized on the impressive Top Hammer on the Ridge Trophy, on display now at the Tool Library.

Lending Our First Tools

Most exciting, we loaned out tools to our first customers! Thank you to everyone who signed up for a membership or borrowed a tool. That's what it's all about!