Foundation gives nearly $1 million for county parks Foundation gives nearly $1 million for county parks (August 17, 2005)

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

San Mateo County parks are receiving almost $1 million of support this year from the volunteer efforts of the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation.

"There is tremendous community support for San Mateo County parks," foundation president Bill Korbholz told the Board of Supervisors August 9.

He presented $141,485 in direct donations, and $265,000 in in-kind donations to the county. In addition, the foundation has obtained $575,885 in grants for park projects.

Projects to be funded by direct donations include: contributions toward replacing the bridge in Wunderlich Park; a new interpretive center at Edgewood County Park; and restoration of serpentine grasslands at Edgewood Park, which support brilliant displays of native wildflowers every spring.

In-kind donations include projects carried out by the foundation, such as the work done by Dr. Stuart Weiss on monitoring Edgewood Park for Bay checkerspot butterfly and restoring serpentine grasslands, as well as preparing a concept plan for an interpretive center at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Grants obtained for the county by the foundation will contribute to building the Coastal Trail through Mirada Surf, replacing a failing culvert in Huddart Park to improve fish passage, and improving fish habitat in Memorial Park.

Since 1998, Mr. Korbholz reported, the foundation has provided $5 million towards 30 projects in San Mateo County parks.

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