If a link is blank when the page is done, then use the Back button and try the link again.

The September 25th celebration for the new play structure at Maria Freitas Park

(the “water park” next to Kaiser) was wonderful.  Even with a wet morning the park was full and the laughter ongoing.  Thank you to all who made this event a true community celebration.

Epic Freitas Park Play Structure Celebration

& Ribbon Cutting

Twelve years ago the City redesigned Freitas Park with $380,000 that provided the updated water play feature, new picnic, restrooms, access and landscape features.  Funding didn’t allow for the installation of a children’s playground.  This was expected to be accomplished within a few years.  Funding was slow in arriving, but the Terra Linda Homeowners Association never gave up.  Two generations of fundraising committees worked hard; they held events, sold benches, plaques and handprint tiles, solicited businesses and grant foundations.  Finally, a year ago, the neighborhood funds were joined by money from the 2004 State Park Bond Act.  The San Rafael landscape architectural firm, Abey/Arnold Associates conducted the community process and developed the playground plans.  One critical funding gap remained, and we thought we would need to wait again.  But we secured a grant from the Kaiser Foundation and the project took wings.  Work began in June and the playground was finished in August.  On September 25th, the playground was dedicated to the children of San Rafael and we recognized the neighborhood volunteers, Kaiser Permanente and City employees for the partnership that made it possible.

Finally, thank you to the members of the Freitas Park Playground Committee who over the years have volunteered to make this project happen:

Mary Wuerth

Silvia Brady

Kim Ravina

Lori Dang

Zoe Strohm

Ann Sykes

Natalie Shapiro

Kris Geller

Francine Marinic