Astoria, OR - March 28 - There are a wonderfully wide array of local non-profit, board run organizations that support a community. One of the many of such organizations in Astoria that is working hard to gather more vigor both in recognition as well as financial stability, in order to create a larger local impact, is the Astoria Parks, Recreation and Community Foundation (APRCF).
This board was founded in 2010 by a passionate group of individuals whose mission was essentially to better the parks and recreational opportunities in the community by creating a non-profit. What it has morphed into now is not all that far from the original inception.
Their current mission is 'Enhancing the health and enrichment of Astoria parks, recreation and our community through partnerships by fostering charitable opportunities and funding'. This has lead to some effective partnerships for health and community, which has really been the driving force behind APRCF.
Clearly there is a strong partnership with the city parks and rec department. In fact starting this fiscal year the city is hoping that APRCF will begin fundraising in order to fill the substantial amount of dollars donated to Astoria individuals and families in the form of scholarships. In the previous fiscal year close to $30,000 was donated by the city. Local upcoming events put on by APRCF like Run on the River a 5K, 10K or half marathon on May 22nd or the 2nd annual ZeroK on Sept 11th are both events earmarked to raise funds for this purpose.
A second successful partnership has been with Friends of McClure Park (FOM). As their board was seeking ways to fund the enrichment of that beautiful park on 8th and Franklin they utilized APRCF's non-profit status as a way to create wider appeal and funding opportunities. Thanks in part to their collaboration FOM has been awarded a substantial grant from Oregon Community Foundation in order to recreate a hillside slide on the southwest side of the park; the first step of a truly innovative plan for natural play structures to come. APRCF's benefit from this partnership was use of this park for their Parks After Dark movies that will occur again this summer on June 25th, July 23rd and August 27th. Other successful partnerships have included: Community Gardens at Robert Gray, Astoria Dog Park Friends, Garden of Surging Waves and MOMS club.
The APRCF board met in early January to review its needs and goals. They are always seeking more board members and are also looking to create better recognition in the community, in order to foster more partnerships and funding opportunities. They hope to pull off some fun, successful, and profitable events this year. A long-term goal of being a substantial community resource for groups seeking funding opportunities that fit within their mission would be a true asset to Astoria. The group is hopeful that even the loftiest of goals could be achieved with hard work and consistent board member participation.
One of the many wonderful things about Astoria is the community of people who keep alive the cultural, recreational, and financial resources we sometimes take for granted.
As community members we hold value in our ability to participate and contribute to our community through volunteering to serve on a board of directors; supporting an important backbone of how we sustain and grow what we appreciate. The history of Astoria is unique and colorful but what we continue to create through volunteerism adds a richness and depth to our city which furthers its appeal and makes us proud to live here. That said, if anyone reading would be interested in coming to a meeting or joining the APRCF board or volunteering for an upcoming event they welcome you.
Contact board chair
Tracy Erfling at 503-440-6927 or
[email protected]
. Get out in your community and participate...volunteer!
