Regional Parks Foundation
Small Grant Program – 2006 Awards

Each year the Foundation issues a request for small grant proposals from Regional Parks staff members.  All staff members are encouraged to submit requests, not to exceed $7,500, for projects that are not included in the Regional Parks Dept. budget. Any project is eligible for consideration as long as it will benefit one of our parks or Veterans Memorial Buildings and is accessible or available to all visitors. 

Several worthwhile requests were received and the Regional Parks Foundation board approved the following grants at their November 2005 board of directors meeting.  All of the grant funds come from private donations, including Regional Parks pass holders, businesses, clubs, foundations and individuals.  The following is a partial list of the projects approved in the 3rd annual Small Grant Program:

Westside Regional Park - Boat Ramp
This grant will fund an educational display board with information about safety hazards, the local fishery and law enforcement issues.

Spring Lake – Eco-Cycle
Funding will be provided to purchase this environmentally appropriate transport vehicle, an ideal tool for trash collection around Spring Lake.  The eco-cycle will reduce the use of gas vehicles on the Spring Lake bike path, help educate the public and reduce noise pollution.

Doran Park – Defibrillator
The Foundation will purchase a defibrillator for a Doran Park ranger vehicle.  When a person has a heart attack in the park, our staff is often the first responder and the defibrillator can save lives.

Spring Lake – Junior Ranger Program
The Foundation will provide funding to help develop a Junior Ranger Program with the help of the Environmental Discovery Center.  The Junior Ranger Program will provide fun, educational experiences and activities each week for children camping at Spring Lake during the summer.

Ragle Ranch – Viewing Deck/Seating Area
We will build a view deck/seating area at Bridge #4 at the base of the hill close to the Peace Garden and Atascadero Creek.  The deck will provide the public with a beautiful place to enjoy nature in comfort and safety.

Vamos a Nadar
$1,000 will be used to expand the ‘Vamos a Nadar’ swimming program to the Cloverdale pool.  This money will pay for bi-lingual lessons for up to 50 disadvantaged children.  The Foundation secured a grant from Speedway Children’s Charities to cover the expense of this program.

Swim Safe
$300 will be used to supply needed items for the Swim Safe program at Spring Lake.  The Foundation will also fund this from the Speedway Children’s Charities grant.

Veteran’s Memorial Building Improvements
A number of requests were submitted for funding to make various purchases and improvements to the Veterans Memorial Buildings.  The Foundation Board of Directors has agreed to undertake a separate direct-mail fundraising campaign to benefit our Veterans Buildings.  We will coordinate this campaign with Sabrina Spear and Recreational & Cultural Services Division staff.

Various Park Improvements
Approximately $5,300 will be used for the following:

• Resurfacing ¼ mi. handicap access trail at Birdwalk Coastal Access

• Walking path improvements at Doran Park

• New Azalea Creek Campground at Hood Mountain

• New piano bench and cover for the grand piano at Santa Rosa Veteran’s Building

• Co sponsorship of the 2005 Annual Park Celebration in all 41 parks

These projects total more than $6,000 and are funded with Foundation donations from park pass holders and other park lovers, as well as local businesses, community and civic groups.  The Foundation is also seeking matching funds from the community to complete some other requested projects such as new coolers for the Sebastopol and Petaluma Veterans Memorial Buildings and new chairs for the Cloverdale Veterans Building.  Already, the Sebastopol Rotary Club has provided the money for the Sebastopol Veterans Building cooler and we are optimistic that donors will be found for the Petaluma and Cloverdale projects.

The Foundation Small Grant Program has been very successful and proves that with the cooperative efforts of the Department, the Foundation and our generous donors and supporters, a small amount of money can have a large impact on our parks and facilities. 
In three years, the Foundation has funded more than 21 projects through this program totaling more than $21,000.  If you would like more information or would like to help, please call Mary Jo Delos at (707) 565 2041.

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