The California Department of Parks and Recreation awards $3.3 million to create the Jefferson Community Park and Community Center

April 12, 2012:  The Westside Community Improvement Association (WCIA) and Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) have been awarded $3,305,560 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Local Grants and Services. The funding from the Statewide Parks Program of Proposition 84 will enable the development of the Jefferson Park and Community Center located at 1000 B Street in Eureka, CA. This will enable WCIA to pay for the purchase of the parcel, and for RCAA to manage the construction of a playground, community garden, walking paths, basketball court, bocce court, open space and landscaping, and ADA-compliant restrooms and parking. It will also allow for the renovation of existing buildings into a community library, multi-purpose room, infant/toddler center, community recreation room, kitchen and restroom.

WCIA board president Heidi Benzonelli said “Westside Community Improvement Association is grateful to have the opportunity to make such a difference in our community.  A new public park and community center will restore common-ground to the Westside.” The Westside Community Improvement Association grew out of a citizen’s group known as the Jefferson School Committee. WCIA spent six years developing broad community support to restore the abandoned Jefferson Elementary School to once again become the hub of the Westside neighborhood.

RCAA executive director Val Martinez said that: “We are very pleased that the Parks and Recreation Department recognized that this is a necessary and important project for Eureka’s citizens, and in particular the residents of the Westside community.”

The Westside Community Improvement Association and Redwood Community Action Agency wish to thank First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro and State Senator Noreen Evans of the 2^nd District for their support and shared vision for this project.  Chesbro, a former member of RCAA’s Board of Directors said, “This project is a tremendous example of how community partnerships can work for the greater good and demonstrates how community action agencies are leaders in creating these solutions.”

Join us in the joyous raising of sacred funds as the Eureka  Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence light the way to GUILT Free Bingo.This pious event will be held at the Eureka Inn on April 28, 2012 at 5:30 sharp. Dressing in drag is optional but dressing at all is a must. (sorry)

There is still time to donate fine prizes and volunteer.

(click on poster to enlarge)

Help volunteer on Saturday, March 31st 10 am to 3 pm at Jefferson School site  1000 B Street, Eureka

Click on poster to enlarge

Creating a playground with grass to run on, benches for parents and equipment to play on is one of the WCIA’s first priorities. Many of the grants we have applied for are have been with specific purposes in mind, like removing the asphalt, or helping in the building of the ADA public bathrooms that will be adjacent to the playground.  We are creating a special fund dedicated to the purchase of playground equipment.

An on line donation button will be available very soon but until then donations can be sent to WCIA Playground Campaign at PO Box 5315, Eureka, 95502

Friends, Neighbors and Community Partners,We are having a BBQ and community workday this Saturday January 21…rain or shine!

Please come join the community while we build our future. 10 am til around 3, BBQ somewhere around noon.

We will be at the future home of the Jefferson Community Park Gardens and Community Center, 1000 B street Eureka.  It looks like rain so we will plan most activities for indoors.

This event is hosted by Westside Community Improvement Association and sponsored by First Five Better Together, Humboldt Area Foundation and Eureka First United Methodist Church.