Murphys, CA…A $15,000 grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation will make it possible for the heavily used children’s area of the Murphys Community Park to be repaired, made safe, and brought up to state standards. “Unknown people have vandalized the area and virtually destroyed the slides and climbing apparatus making them unsafe,” says Sue Friedman, president of the Murphys Community Club that has the responsibility for the upkeep and operation of the park. “This generous grant will allow us to restore the equipment and buy new swings. It will also pay for installing several tons of wood chips in the area as mandated by the state.”

The grant is from the Foundation’s Community Betterment Fund established by a donation from Murphys residents JoAnna and Bob Reagan. ‘It takes a lot of money to maintain and improve this park,” says Friedman. “We have recently had to resod the grassy area to make it ready for the many events that will take place over the coming months. We also need to replace a barbecueπ, and complete the bocce ball courts that have become very popular. This grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation will take care of one of our major concerns; we now can concentrate on addressing the other problems and raising the necessary funds.”

Throughout the year the park is the scene of many community events including Grape Stomp, First Fridays in the Park, Calaveras Community Band concerts, Off the Beaten Path Walk/Run for Autism, Rotary Shrimp Feed, and Michelson Elementary School’s Chicken in the Barrel. It is also the scene of family picnics and other casual gatherings.

The Community Club generates income by renting the park for weddings and other private events. Anyone interested in renting areas of the park should contact Friedman a 728-8183.

Membership in the Murphys Community Club, that has responsibility for the management and upkeep of the park, is open to everyone and contributions are tax deductible. For further information call 728-8183.