After its first full year of operation, the Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation has its sights set on big plans for the new year. Among the goals are increasing membership, expanding the board of directors and sponsoring a Verdugo Mountains 10K Trail Run and Hike, tentatively scheduled for May 1.

“We’re partnering with the City’s Community Services & Parks Department,” said President Dottie Sharkey. “In addition to raising money for the Foundation, we hope to bring attention to the Verdugo Mountains – a great recreational venue in our own backyard. We hope to have 200 to 300 trail runners heading up from Brand Park to the top of the mountains and back.”

The Foundation is also seeking to add new members and is looking for individuals who believe that parks and recreation can make a positive impact on a community’s quality of life.

“Right now we’re in the midst of our year-end membership drive,” said Rick Dinger, membership chairman. “We’d like to invite everyone to join the Foundation. Members will get our e-newsletter, membership card, and window decal. And they’ll be invited to participate in members-only events in some of Glendale’s most beautiful parks and scenic open spaces.”

The Foundation’s first fundraising event, Art from the Ashes, was held in June and July to benefit Deukmejian Wilderness Park, which burned in last year’s Station Fire. Proceeds from the event have already been donated to replace interpretive and trail signage that was destroyed in the fire. Future projects in the park may include the establishment of a native plant nursery, the planting of Big Cone Spruce trees in Dunsmore Canyon and the rental of heavy equipment to re-grade damaged hiking trails.

The Parks & Open Space Foundation was established by a group of Glendale residents who believe that the city needs an organization dedicated to keeping parks beautiful and supporting recreation programs.

For more information visit www.glendaleparksfoundation.org.

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