Permanent Public Facilities Planned for Polo Grounds

Cabrillo Host Lions Club in collaboration with the Parks Department Begins Fundraising Efforts

On April 17 the kickoff to the GoGo Polo fundraising drive officially began. Thirty people gathered to support the effort to fund a new Restroom and Concessions Building at the Polo Grounds to be built between the baseball field and the western parking lot. County Supervisor Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney, Cabrillo Host Lions Club President Rob Ewald, Krista Brassfield Vice President, and Kate Minott President/Secretary of the Friends Santa Cruz County Parks made presentations at the future site. They unveiled a sign that shows the progress of the GoGo Polo fundraising, which stood at $72,000 of the $266,500 needed to finish the project.

The Polo Grounds Park in Aptos has a long and storied history. From its polo fields, horses and players in 1924 to today’s baseball diamonds, soccer fields, Little Leaguers and soccer players, the residents of Santa Cruz County have seen the park evolve. This 62-acre community park is a county operated facility meaning that county taxpayers support the maintenance of the grounds and equipment while local businesses have for many years provided on-going support at no cost.

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club along with Supervisor Friend and Parks Director Jeff Gaffney have taken on this much needed and long delayed project. Many of the residents who use the park facilities and the parents of children who play sports at the Polo Grounds concurred in the need for permanent bathroom facilities. Currently, visitors to the park must use portable toilets.

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club began the task of building a Restroom/Concession Stand Building by meeting with Supervisor Friend, and Parks Commission and Parks Department officials. Site, architectural, and construction plans were developed and ways to raise funds for the $266,500 project were discussed.

They are asking for the community’s help to fund this facility. A website has been created (gogopolo.org) with information about the project and for donations. Please support the construction of this Restroom/Concession Stand Building and make a tax-deductible donation. All donations regardless of the amount are appreciated and needed to bring this vision to reality.

According to Supervisor Friend “This is a great opportunity for the community to literally buy into our county park system. Every donation will bring us one step closer to completing this vital feature of the Polo Grounds.” He continued that “It’s a terrible shame that generations of children and families visiting the Polo Grounds have had to seek relief elsewhere when nature calls.”

Three special sponsor categories have been created for individuals, businesses and organizations that would like permanent recognition of their contribution. For a full list of all benefits of the three categories visit the gogopolo.org Website.

Platinum ($7500), Gold ($5000) and Silver ($2500) Sponsors will receive: an engraved 12” x 12” commemorative brick (up to 3 lines engraved on the brick including sponsorship level) to be in the architectural design of the new building and have their name for future generations to see on the permanent signage in the Concessions Area.

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The Cabrillo Host Lions Club in collaboration with the Parks Department is also planning several fund raising events. One of which is to be a Casino Night on October 24, 2015 at the Simpkins Swim Center.