San Rafael, CA – Marin County Parks knows there are local people experiencing barriers to making use of its network of relaxing parks and open spaces. An entry fee, a lack of public transportation, a shortage of bilingual signage, or a lack of familiarity all could deter somebody from a fresh-air adventure close to home.
Kids and adults from all over Marin have enjoyed access to the Stafford Lake Bike Park.
“We’re doing our best to get rid of those barriers and make sure everyone has opportunities to enjoy our lands,” said Max Korten, Director of Marin County Parks. “Our community grant program is one of many steps we’re taking to ensure all Marin residents enjoy and benefit from the public lands that surround them.”
The sixth year of a grant program designed to connect more Marin residents – especially the underserved – to County park facilities is now underway. The grants from the Breathe Community Grant Program (Respira in Spanish) are set up to foster partnerships with local community organizations that share County Parks’ vision of barrier removal. Local organizations are invited to apply for the grants totaling $135,000 through February 25.
Breathe/Respira is funded by Measure A, otherwise known as the Marin Parks, Open Space, and Farmland Preservation Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance of 2012. The grant program seeks to support community organizations that provide programs to underserved, at-risk, or vulnerable populations in Marin and promote health, wellness or environmental education in Marin’s communities. Efforts to date have aided members of Latino, Vietnamese, senior, youth, and disabled communities.
“Collaborations like this help us fulfill our mission to provide recreational opportunities for all of Marin. These organizations know the communities they work with very well and help build trusted relationships and provide enjoyable park outings alongside Marin County Parks staff.” said Kevin Wright, Parks’ Government and External Affairs Manager. “In the first few years of this program, we’ve partnered with fifteen organizations that have offered programs for a variety of underserved audiences, from mountain bike rides for kids to walks for seniors. In the last year, over 5,600 people got outside and we estimate 960 residents enjoyed a particular park or preserve for the very first time. We’re thankful that Measure A has a lasting effect on building relationships and improving the well-being of Marin residents.”
Breathe/Respira primarily supports existing programs and projects. Grant proposals must support visits to parks, public outreach about parks, or creating bridges for more people to enjoy the outdoors. Eligible applicants include a town, city, county, 501(c)3 nonprofit, special district, joint powers authority, community group, community-based organization, or emerging or existing coalition.
All qualifying criteria and funding restrictions, along with detailed information about the program and grant decision-making process, are available in the Breathe/Respira Measure A Community Grant Program Overview on the Measure A webpage.