VENTURA : City Gives $20,000 for Community Park

Thanks to a $20,000 contribution by the Ventura City Council, supporters of Ventura’s first-ever community-built park are closer to funding their project.

The group still needs to come up with $25,000 to match the funds allocated by the city for the Rainbow Bridge Community Playground, but it has collected $75,000 so far in donated equipment and grants.

Supporters hope to raise the remaining money by April 19, when 1,500 local volunteers are scheduled to begin construction of the 10,000-square-foot park at Blanche Reynolds School.

Park organizer Lori Z said supporters are pushing for community and corporate donations in the final weeks.

“We feel like we’re picking up where government left off,” she said. “The playground that’s there now is 30 years old.”

The group will hold an enchilada dinner at the school from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and will sell T-shirts at an Easter egg hunt on April 8 at Arroyo Verde Park.

Z said supporters are relying on corporate sponsors for the big bucks and have received several new pledges in the past week. The group also is selling tiles that will be incorporated into the park’s decor and will bear the name of the company or family that donated money.

To make a donation or volunteer, call 641-5409.