Friends Contributing to Recreation, Parks & Community Services
Each year the Department recognizes community partners, donors, volunteer projects, volunteers, and sponsors in the annual Friends Newsletter. Click here (pdf) to download the current newsletter that recognizes individuals, groups, and businesses who helped our department.
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WAYS TO HELP OUR DEPARTMENT
We have many ways to help make our community better, through both financial and in-kind donations and volunteering. If you are intersted in helping, below is a list of our programs. Thank you for your consideration!
People - Contributions that help individuals and families
Scholarships - Donations to our scholarship program provide access to recreation activities for low-income families. Sponsor a child with swimming lesssons ($45) or a week of day camp ($135). Provide a senior with a computer skills class or a low income mom with a fitness class. Click here to donate online now! Or, contact Kelley Magnuson if you have any questions: kmagnuson@srcity.org, 543-3275.
Gift Certificates - Purchase a gift certificate for any amount as a gift for a specific person, family or someone in need. You provide the name and amount and we will do the rest. Certificates may be purchased at the Steele Lane or Finley Community Centers.
Parks - Contributions that help Santa Rosa Parks
Adopt a Green Space - Help us improve a park or playground, or provide for ongoing maintenance. A sign or plaque will be provided to give recognition to community groups, faith based groups, individuals, neighbors, or businesses who adopt a green space. Here (pdf) is a brochure to learn more about the program or you can call the Parks Division at 543-3770.
Commemorative Park Amenities - Create a tribute for a special person or event while improving a City park. You can designate a bench, picnic table, BBQ or drinking fountain in your favorite park. We will also install your 2" x 8" plaque. Contact us at 543-3770 for pricing information. (Not available at all parks.)
Commemorative Tree - Whether to mark a birth, passing, wedding, or personal milestone, planting a tree is a lasting legacy. Meet with Park's staff to select a native or shade tree. Call the Parks Division at 543-3770.
Programs - Contributions that help programs.
Activities and Classes - We offer activities and classes for all age groups from preschool to seniors. Programs include sports, visual or performing arts, camps, and recreational classes. Help us offset costs by financial support or in-kind services.
After School and Neighborhood Programs - Remember when you were young and neighborhood programs were offered at school sites and parks? Sponsor a neighborhood program and help provide after school recreation in a safe and positive environment. To volunteer or donate to our free after school programs or neighborhood programs contact Rob Beal: rbeal@srcity.org, 543-3355. For more information about the Change for Kids Round-up program click here.
Community Events - Senior picnics and dances, Live at Juilliard park concerts, and downtown events all need community assistance to succeed. Help us with in-kind services or financial donations. Contact Laneil Bryant: lbryant@srcity.org, 543-3734.
Differently Abled Population - We welcome volunteers and in-kind services or financial support for our differently abled activities that include Kamp Kennedy summer camp, trips, dances, adventure days and community nights. We also offer activities for the visually impaired. contact Naomi Honda at 543-4358: nhonda@srcity.org.
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Restoration - Improve & preserve this 150 year old historical landmark. Effort is placed on vegetation control, maintaining clear pathways, and repairing gravestones to preserve our rich and diverse heritage. Santa Rosa’s Rural Cemetery is located at Franklin and Monroe Streets. Contact Yvonne Earle for more information: yearle@srcity.org. 543-3291
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens - Become a Friend of Luther Burbank Home & Gardens and support the operation and development of Burbank’s original home and educational programs. Currently there is a giving program to repair and restore the original picket fence surrounding the property. Craftsmen and cash donations are needed. For more information, call Linda Hall at 524-5445, or email: lhall@srcity.org
Public Art - Contributions to the arts help support the Arts District community events, Phantom Gallery exhibitions, public sculpture, the Artstart program for teens, and the National Arts Awards Program. Volunteers for these programs are also welcome. Contact Tara Matheny-Schuster, 543-3732. or emial: tmatheny-schuster@srcity.org.
Change for Kids - Round up your City of Santa Rosa utility bill to help fund afterschool programs for kids at risk. It's less then a $1 per year! Learn more about the program and/or sign up online by clicking here. Or, contact Kelley Magnuson: kmagnuson@srcity.org for more information, 543-3275.
Thank you for your consideration. All donations to the Friends Program are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations will be publicized in our Friends Newsletter which is always on this web page. The Friends Newsletters are located throughout city facilities. Participants will receive a letter of appreciation and a copy of the Friends newsletter at the beginning of the year for the previous year's contribution. "Friends" may be considered for local, regional and state recognition for contributions to their community.
To download the mail in donation form, click here. Or contact any of the staff above to discuss your idea for involvement.