September 9, 2016
Contact: Mark Menke
Piedmont Recreation Facilities Organization (PRFO) is partnering with the City of Piedmont to raise additional funds for the ongoing renovations at Hampton Park. This fundraising campaign officially began September 7th with a small community gathering to celebrate the renewal of Hampton Park and to thank key individuals and organizations whose fundraising leadership have helped make the long-overdue improvements a work in progress.
“Hampton Park is a jewel in Piedmont’s parks system, but has suffered from poor drainage and deteriorated court surfaces that limited its use,” said City Administrator, Paul Benoit. “This project will enhance the playability for everyone from youth soccer and baseball to pick-up basketball and adult tennis. I’m glad to see this public-private partnership has allowed us to renew these vital assets.”
“The renewal of Hampton Field is a perfect example of how Piedmont community organizations can supplement city funding to ensure a win-win for local residents, said Mark Menke, President of PRFO. “PRFO is proud to take a leadership role in this fundraising effort and we look forward to continuing to work with the City and other community organizations to ensure improvements not only for Hampton Field but also for other recreational facilities throughout Piedmont.”
The Hampton Park Improvement Project was approved by the Piedmont City Council in 2008 as part of the master plan and the construction contract was awarded in April of 2016. Funding is provided by a number of sources, including the East Bay Regional Park District Measure WW Funds, various city funds and the generosity of Piedmont residents.
“Hampton Park is truly an “only-in-Piedmont” success story,” said Piedmont’s Vice Mayor Bob McBain. “Where else would you see contributions spanning the generations from youth sports leagues to adult tennis clubs and the Beautification Foundation? Today’s event represented a wonderful opportunity to recognize the people and groups who got us here and the exciting future ahead.”
To date, this project has received generous funding and pledges from the following local organizations: PRFO ($150,000), Guy and Jeanine Saperstein ($75,000 for Basketball Court Naming, as well as additional commitment to enhance tot lot equipment), Piedmont Baseball-Softball Foundation ($50,000), Piedmont Soccer Club ($50,000), Turkey Trot ($25,000), Piedmont Beautification Foundation ($12,000 toward LaSalle Entry), Piedmont Ladies Tennis Club ($6,250), Piedmont Basketball Foundation ($5,000), Piedmont Men’s Tennis Group ($1,000), Skyline Lacrosse ($1,000), Roach Maxam Family Foundation ($1,000), Hoe and Hope Garden Club ($1,000), and other anonymous donors in excess of $25,000.
Going forward, PRFO will work with the City to help raise funds from additional individuals in the community who wish to support our recreational spaces. Steve Ellis, PRFO’s Fundraising Chair, described the many opportunities open to those who wish to support Hampton Park, from personalized brick pavers ($250 donation) to various levels of recognition on the donor wall at the park entrances, to potential naming opportunities for the dugouts, tennis courts, and even for the field/park. Commemorative trees and benches will be available through the Piedmont Beautification Foundation. “We at PRFO are excited to help lead community fundraising for this great City project and to provide opportunities for individuals to leave a lasting legacy.” Those wanting to name a dugout after their favorite slugger, will need to act fast – completion of the project is expected in January 2017.
For more information, to make a donation toward the completion of Hampton, or to see a list of the donor recognition opportunities available, please visit prfo.org
