On Dec. 11, County Park Friends announced more than $1 million dollars in private funding has been raised for Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park in Capitola — completing a 18-month effort to fund the city’s first-fully inclusive playground.
The goal is to create a place all children can play together without the barriers those with disabilities often experience at typical playgrounds.
Kristen Brown, wrapping up her year as mayor, said, “I am thrilled, but not surprised, by our community’s generosity and enthusiasm for Treasure Cove Playground, and by the support and hard work of County Park Friends. This project, specifically designed to be welcoming to all, will truly be a Capitola treasure for generations to come.”
The Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, was a key anchor in the campaign by issuing a $250,000 matching grant challenge which members of the community quickly rallied to meet.
FROM LEFT: Dan Haifley, lead volunteer, Mariah Roberts, executive director, County Park Friends and Tricia Wiltshire, campaign manager. • Photo courtesy of County Park Friends
Dan Haifley, the community lead volunteer said, “Our team is grateful to all the donors and volunteers who’ve laid the foundation for Treasure Cove. Their generosity will bring much needed joy and laughter into the lives of countless children who’ll get to have a safe place to play alongside their peers. Its true impact will be immeasurable and priceless.”
Community fundraisers over the past 18 months included the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club’s 2024 Dinner and Auction, Kentucky Derby Party, and Pickleball tournament, the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual bike ride, the Boardwalk Chili cookoff, the Surf City Kiwanis annual crab feed, Santa Cruz Gives 2023, and a dinner at Britannia Arms in Capitola.
“Our members are delighted to be part of Treasure Cove, a place where the community can come together and have fun,” said Lowry Fenton, Capitola-Aptos Rotary 2024 president.
Support also came from private community members in honor of loved ones.
Sunrise Rotary Bike Ride • Photo Credit: Mariah Roberts
Rich Hamlin wished to donate in memory of his wife, Suzi, who passed away while on vacation in 2023 after being hit by a drunk driver.
Harold Brockman and Cynthia Smith fulfilled Harold’s dream to honor his first wife, Patricia, who passed away 28 years ago.
Notable foundation support for the project included Kaiser Permanente, donor advisors at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, and the Soquel Union Elementary School District.
“County Park Friends is humbled by the breadth of support from our community to make Treasure Cove a reality,” said Mariah Roberts, executive director of County Park Friends. “This is the type of community building project our organization loves to do and it’s only possible because everyone steps up to play their part and make it happen.”
The City of Capitola plans to secure any remaining necessary funding by early spring, 2025, and to bid the project that fall. Groundbreaking could be as soon as winter 2025.
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Treasure Cove logo created by Verde Designs and County Park Friends
TOP PHOTO: Rendering of Treasure Cove Park • Courtesy of County Park Friends