Our History
The Parks Foundation was established at the end of 2018 to provide critical support to the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks and Recreation budget alone cannot meet the entire needs of the City’s extensive park system. With a nonprofit tax designation, we can secure funds from private and public supporters to address Parks and Recreation’s funding gaps in programming and maintenance of neighborhood parks as well as implement projects directly. This support helps foster community health and connection by providing opportunities for exercise, spending time in nature, social interaction, and accessing resources.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life of communities throughout the city of San Diego through equitable investments in parks, greenspace, and recreational opportunities.
Our Vision
Every San Diegan has access to quality recreational facilities as part of a safe, healthy, resilient, and thriving community.
Our Impact
Since our inception in November 2018, San Diego Parks Foundation has been the driving force behind public-serving initiatives including:
Launching "Come Play Outside" with the City and County of San Diego in 2021, offering free or heavily discounted programming at more than 20 recreation centers and aquatic centers across San Diego’s southern and central neighborhoods. Participation has more than doubled from 17,000 individuals in 2021 to 30,000 in 2022.
Installing free Wi-Fi City’s 60 community recreation centers.
Embarking on a tree planting initiative to help the City of San Diego meet its long-term climate action plan goals with currently more than 300 trees planted in community parks.
Partnering with Feeding San Diego to distribute meals at local recreation centers amid the COVID-19 crisis. As of December 31, 2020, the program has provided 159,712 meals for kids at 17 Recreation Centers in San Diego’s communities of concern.
Make it stand out
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Parks After Dark 2022
“Quotes from Kids”
Linda Vista
“I love Parks After Dark because of the people.” -Sofia, 13
“I love Parks After Dark because of the friendly staff. I enjoyed doing the tie dye too.” -Emily, 11
“I love Parks After Dark because it’s fun and there’s room to play.” -Firdaouss, 10
“I love Parks After Dark because I love the workers and it’s always fun.” -Christian, 13
“I love Parks After Dark because I get to spend time with my friends.” -Jolisa, 12
“I love Parks After Dark because when I’m sad I get happy here.” -Ferny, 10
“I love Parks After Dark because I love the ice cones and bubble foam party. It was so much fun!” Kassy, 10
Skyline
“I love Parks After Dark because I can play with my brother.” -Elle, 10
“I love Parks After Dark because I got to meet the mayor in person.” -Iqra 15
“I love Parks After Dark because of the energy.” -Guaica, 11
“I love Parks After Dark because it brings together the community and just brings joy.” -Muhamed, 16
“I love Parks After Dark because I love parks after dark because I can see the stars.” -Naomi, 8
“I love Parks After Dark because I meet new friends and get to play in the jumpy house.” -James, 5
City Heights
“I love Parks After Dark because my parents aren’t here. 😊” -Daphne 13
“I love Parks After Dark because kids have so much fun and we are going to miss you.” -Marifer, 12
“I love Parks After Dark because you can meet new people friends” -Jazzy, 11
“I love Parks After Dark because its fun and because I get to do exercise!” -Ruth, 16
“I love Parks After Dark because the food, and I didn’t eat all day.” -EJ, 12
“I love Parks After Dark because I get to see people. I like it. Jumpers are fun. I stay hungry so the food is great.” -Jsahaun, 13
“I love Parks After Dark because of family time. Love spending more time having fun.” -Vazquez Family, ages 13, 8