History
Rhonda
Kutter moved to Point Reyes Station days before giving birth to a
wonderful daughter, Ruby Raye Clarke, born on December 12, 2001.
Though welcomed to the community and an active participant at Babygym
at the Dance Palace, Rhonda noted the need
for a playground, especially a toddler playground in Point Reyes
Station. A friend, Stephanie Rossman, planted the idea that a
playground could be created in Point Reyes one day while sitting on the
steps in front of the Bovine. "We just need a place to build it . . . "
The Committee for a Family-Friendly Point Reyes (CFFFPR) was formed early in 2003, chaired by Rhonda
Kutter with Elizabeth Barnet and Natalie Loeper as founding members.
Although the primary focus at that time was to secure a site where
CFFFPR could create a Playground in the downtown Point Reyes area, a
more general name was chosen that reflected the deeper ambition: to help make Point Reyes a more welcoming and supportive for children, parents and families.
After
a informal survey and extensive community outreach, it was determined
that the planned new County Restroom Facility site was the preferred
location, even though it had limited space. The Committee proceeded to
get County approval and Community support for the addition of a toddler
playground at the site, located at the corner of Mesa Rd. and Toby St.
in downtown Point Reyes Station. (Although everyone preferred a
multi-aged playground, the site could only accommodate a few play
features, so a toddler play area was chosen, given the need was shown
to be greater.)
With
the help of Supervisor Steve Kinsey and Parks and Open Space
Director, Sharon McNamee, CFFFPR received approval from the Marin
County Parks and Open Space Commission and the Marin County Board of
Supervisors. Then a partnership was formed and the County agreed to
provide matching funds and be the fiscal agent for the Committee's
fundraising efforts. In addition, the County agreed to pay for all of
the initial site imporvements as part of the first phase of
construction when building the Restroom and parking lot. CFFFPR agreed
to assist with the planning of the playground and take on the job of
securing at least 50% of the funds need for the playground itself.
Once
the partnership got underway, CFFFPR worked with Steve Petterle,
Principle Planner for the Department of Parks and Open Space and began
working out design details, picking out preferred play equipment etc.
Then CFFFPR conducted extensive community outreach and worked with
other local organizations (West Marin Commons, Point Reyes Village
Association) to gather input on design options that best suited the
site and the community.
In March of 2007 CFFFPR's was awarded a Grant from First 5 of Marin for over $7,000 toward the project (Click here for more information of First 5). This funding helped pay for play equipment, childcare and assisted in the facilitation of the Children's Hand Tile Project (Click here for photos and more about the tile project).
On
May 15, 2007 a Groundbreaking Ceremony was held, sponsored
collaboratively by CFFFPR, County of Marin, West Marin Chamber of
Commerce, Point Reyes Village Association, and West Marin Commons. (Click here for Art Roger's photo).
After
the inevitable delays, in the Summer of 2007 John Hope Construction
began work on the first phase of the project, to build the Restroom
Facility, Parking lot and Playground grading, drainage and curbing. We
were ecstatic to have a local contractor onsite; John Hope and George
took extra care, making sure everything would fit in our small space.
George helped inspire the design of the poured in place sand box.
Simultaneous
to the first phase of construction, we began our fundraising efforts.
The CFFFPR was blessed to have all of the experience and passion that
Suzanne d'Coney brought to our fundraising. Deirdre Nemmers, with a
newborn in her arms, donated her design expertise to create a
beautiful, playful brochure (click here to see it!). As one part of the Fundraising campaign. Rhonda
and Suzanne spent many beautiful Saturday mornings that summer under
the blue canopy at the West Marin Farmers Market at Toby Feed Barn.
They were joined by many others wonderful volunteers throughout the
season.
In
July of 2007 Toby Giacomini, who was loved by so many in our
community, passed away. CFFFPR was approached by the Toby Giacomini
family with an offer to suggest donations be made to the project in
honor of him. As someone who loved children, and the spirit of fun, it
seemed so appropriate (click here to read "Tribute to Toby Giacomini"). We owe special thanks to the Giacomini family, who have been so supportive of this project.
On Sunday September
23, 2007 our major Fundraising event, a Gala Feast called "Building
Memories", was held at Toby's Feed Barn. This wildly successful
sold-out event was the brainchild of Christian Caizio and Suzanne
d'Coney, and created with the help of many others. Shawn Collins
designed a beautiful poster for us (click here to view) and Green Girl Events made sure everything went smoothly and with little waste (click here for more info). Chefs came from around the county to create this event where we made over $7,000 to help build our playground.
Late
summer brought the arrival of the Children's Hand Tile Project to the
Farmer's Market, spearheaded by Madeline Hope. The tiles were
handmade, fired and glazed by Blue Slide Art Tile. Over 200 tiles
now adorn our sandbox, installed in the Spring of 2008 through a
generous donation by Tom Hickman and Billy Wessner. For additional
questions or information about possible additional tile projects,
contact CFFFPR at prplayground@horizoncablecom or Madeline Hope at
hopexing@horizoncablecom
On
January 19, 2008 it was a lovely "Spring" day. Over 40 volunteers and
helpers, professional from Community Playgrounds, County Employees,
visitors and lots of children enjoyed our "FunRaising" Day! The
playground was installed! (Click here to see photo gallery of Installation Day)
On
Saturday, May 17, almost exactly one year after groundbreaking,
CFFFPR cosponsored the Grand Opening of Toby's Community Playground and
restroom facility with the County of Marin, First 5 of Marin and West
Marin Chamber of Commerce. It was a wonderful community celebration,
filled with smiles, ice cream grilled cheese sandwiches, music, May
Pole dancing speeches and more. (click here for photo gallery of the Grand Opening Celebration).
The
Committee is dedicated to ongoing minor improvements and additions to
the playground and has begun discussion on possible future projects.
To find out more, contact Rhonda Kutter, Chair, 415-663-5497 or prplayground@horizoncable.com