Background
The Carmichael Parks Foundation is a non-profit public charity that believes recreation is vital to the well-being of our community. We are committed to supporting the Carmichael Recreation and Park District in expanding recreational opportunities for all, be it through scholarships, new program development, or park improvements.
Our priority this year is to expand opportunities that are of interest to middle school aged kids and young teens, so they have greater access to experiences that promote personal growth and confidence.
Sharon Ruffner Scholarship Fund
Sharon Ruffner
Feb 4 1960 - Jan 7 2024With incredible sadness we share the news that our beloved friend and fellow board member Sharon Ruffner passed away on January 7, 2024 following a year-long battle with cancer. She was our Superhero who served as our ever enthusiastic and energetic President from January 2018 through May of 2023. We will forever be inspired by her positivity, compassion and never-ending commitment to making this world a better place for us all. We have renamed our scholarship program in her honor.
2023 Program Highlights
Youth Recreational Opportunities
Scholarships:
- 473 scholarships provided - a 20% increase over 2022 and a 40% increase since the program's inception.
- 90% of all scholarships went to participants in the Kid's Hangout After School Program and Summer Day Camps, providing parents less costly childcare options.
- Scholarships accounted for 13% of overall program participation.
2024 Goals and Activities
New Recreational Opportunities
Programs for Middle School Aged Teens:
While many programs are successful in serving elementary school aged kids, providing programs that are of interest and engaging to older, middle school aged teens proves challenging. In collaboration with the Carmichael Recreation and Park District and the San Juan Unified School District we will focus on new projects in the coming year that:
- Are exciting and attractive to kids of middle school and early teen age.
- Support the growth of student confidence, social skills and strong interpersonal relations.
- Are capable of being managed without major added costs to the Park District.
We have conducted a short survey regarding student interest in potential recreation and park programs at John Barrett and Will Rogers Middle Schools. The survey was voluntary on the part of the students and followed a broadcast of a short explanatory video (View Video) .
Response Rates: At Will Rogers, 193 students responded (31.9% of the student body) while at Barrett 373 students responded (55.6% of the student body). We are currently analyzing the results with the goal of rolling out at least two pilot programs by the end of the year.
Park Enhancements
- Continued funding to the Friends of Jensen Botanical Garden for ongoing beautification at this lovely site.
- Involved in initial planning efforts to construct a Skate Park at Carmichael Park in the newly established Sharon Ruffner Plaza.