Diversity of skills sought for Park Ridge parks foundation

• Reprints

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:18AM

Efforts are under way to encourage more members of the community to join the Park Ridge Parks Foundation, a fundraising arm of the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District.

“We are actively seeking qualified individuals to be on this committee,” said Park District Executive Director Gayle Mountcastle.

Mountcastle said the nonprofit organization is looking for members with varied professional backgrounds, particularly business owners, financial experts, and people with experience running events and fundraisers.

Mountcastle said Park District staff will be involved in helping the Parks Foundation restructure itself and start up events.

According to its website the mission of the Park Ridge Parks Foundation is to build “private and public partnerships to support the conservation and enhancement of Park Ridge parks and green spaces, as well as attract local sponsors for programs and facilities.”

Current goals of the Foundation include raising funds “to invest in assets, property and other resources in collaboration with the Park District executive director and staff” and raising money to provide financial help to families who cannot afford Park District programs.

In 2011 the Park District received a $1,000 contribution from the Parks Foundation that was given on behalf of the Park Ridge Indian Scouts to help children with economic hardships attend Park District programs, Mountcastle said.

The Parks Foundation’s most recent fundraising effort has involved selling concrete pieces of the wading pool deck from Oakton Pool, which was demolished last year.

For information on joining the Parks Foundation contact President Paul Sheehan, (312) 451-3894, or e-mail pmsheehan91@gmail.com.