San Jose Parks Foundation launches program to raise private funds for parks and trails

From Green Right Now Reports

With severe budget cuts looming ahead, San Jose Parks Foundation today announced the launch of “ParkForce,” a membership campaign that offers residents the opportunity to provide private sector support to protect and preserve city parks and trails.

San Jose Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization,will begin fund raising through direct mail, online and in targeted public parks and plazas throughout San Jose. ParkForce memberships are available to anyone who donates to the foundation.

“The people of San Jose have a chance to act before the budget cuts have their impact. Parks have a profound impact on many aspects of our lives, from the health of children and seniors to the look and feel of a neighborhood to property values,” San Jose Parks Foundation Executive Director James Reber said in a statement. “The coming budget cuts could have a very negative impact on all city parks. By building a strong ‘ParkForce’ membership we can protect and preserve – and in some cases enhance – our parks and trails. The work of the Friends of San Jose Rose Garden proves that a community effort can be a force for good in our city parks.”

Residents and businesses in San Jose have watched as budget cuts have taken their toll on a variety of city programs. The current deficit projections mean even deeper cuts for San Jose’s department of Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services. Anticipating that this might happen, PRNS took action a few years ago to help organize and fund the San Jose Parks Foundation, which brings private funds to public parks.

Basic memberships begin at $60 for a family. Associate memberships begin at the Trailblazer level of $125. All funds raised by San Jose Parks Foundation will support programs, services, and capital needs of San Jose’s public parks, trails and community centers. Detailed information is available online at the FaceBook page for San Jose Parks Foundation.