Congratulations to our 2021 Recreation Center Grants Program recipients! Established with funds from the Thompson-Bliss Family Gift, this program allows Oakland’s Recreation Centers to apply for awards of up to $2,000 for special projects, facilities improvements or technology upgrades.
Totaling more than $32,000, this year’s grants are highlighted by tournament entry fees and equipment for Davie Tennis Stadium, seed funding for an outdoor roller rink at DeFremery Park and new laptops for Franklin Park and Arroyo Viejo Park.
“As we emerge from COVID together as a community, Oakland’s youth are at the top of our minds,” reflect Kim Thompson and John Bliss. “We want to do our part helping to ensure that kids have everything they need to reconnect safely and access opportunities to learn, grow and play.”
Over ten years, Kim and John have provided $200,000 through the Thompson-Bliss Family Gift for improvements at Oakland Recreation Centers and youth swim scholarships. Regranting funds to our civic and community partners maximizes impact by targeting specific needs.
View the full list of 2021 Recreation Center Grants Program recipients below and contact me to discuss ways to invest in your community by creating your own family giving fund.
Warmly,
Terra Cole Brown
Executive Director
| Facility | Description | Grant |
| Allendale | Art and craft supplies, COVID safety items and play equipment. | $1,993 |
| Arroyo Viejo | Laptop computers for programming and Recreation Center use. | $1,816 |
| Bushrod | Art and craft supplies and marketing materials. | $1,994 |
| Carmen Flores | Security items and play equipment. | $506 |
| Golden Gate | Tables for programming and Recreation Center events. | $2,000 |
| Davie Tennis | Tournament entry fees, tennis balls and rackets. | $1,968 |
| DACA | Kitchen supplies and A/V equipment. | $1,942 |
| DeFremery | Seed funding for surface and barricades for outdoor roller rink. | $2,000 |
| Dimond | Sports and play equipment. | $1,800 |
| Franklin | Art and craft supplies, laptop computers and A/V equipment. | $1,950 |
| Lincoln | Percussion instruments for drumming program. | $2,000 |
| Montclair | Art and craft supplies, security items, furniture and play equipment. | $1,953 |
| Mosswood | Art and craft supplies, event items and play equipment. | $1,556 |
| Rainbow | Kitchen supplies and A/V equipment. | $1,892 |
| Redwood | Art and craft supplies, ceramic tiles for mosaic wall, furniture and play equipment. | $1,941 |
| Studio One | Art and craft supplies. | $1,639 |
| Tassafaronga | Folding chairs to programs and events. | $2,000 |
| Willie Keyes | Banquet tables, folding chairs and A/V equipment. | $1,900 |
| Total | $32,850 |