The City of Scotts Valley is lucky to have many generous individuals and organizations supporting the City so that more services and amenities are available to the community. This article highlights a few of the wonderful actions recently taken by local residents to make the City a better place.
Students help Scotts Valley parks
Vine Hill Elementary School fifth-grade students Camille, Matilda and Raaga were inspired by a school opinion writing project to raise $105 toward improving Scotts Valley’s nature and parks, through a bake sale in their neighborhood in December 2022.
These dedicated students reached out to the City, asking how they could donate these funds for nature and parks in Scotts Valley. In particular, they suggested more trees for sections or areas that were not being actively used for other purposes. In response to their generous gift of money and love for the environment, Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation staff identified, purchased and planted a beautiful redbud tree by the playgrounds in Skypark.
Camille, Matilda and Raaga have shown true leadership by setting a wonderful example of environmental stewardship that will inspire other community members. Their actions represent the best efforts by our youth to care for our community and point the way for keeping Scotts Valley beautiful and green. Thanks to Camille, Matilda and Raaga for their outstanding efforts and contributions to improve the treescape in Skypark!
Community Advocates of Scotts Valley enhance City’s playground project
A new nonprofit community group has formed this year to support the quality of life of our community members. Inspired by the former Scotts Valley Parks Advocates, the new Community Advocates of Scotts Valley (CASV) have already assembled a board of directors and started raising funds to support community projects.
In addition to projects with the schools and fire district, the Advocates just committed funding to enhance the City’s capital project to replace the small children’s playground at Skypark. The City’s project budget of $252,186 included new play equipment, shade coverings and replacing the sand surface with partial coverage of poured-in-place rubber with the remaining surface area covered in engineered woodchips.
The Advocates expressed interest in the surface being 100% rubber and committed the $66,385 needed to upgrade the project to make it happen. This project is under construction and will be an important improvement to our most popular park. Thanks to the Community Advocates of Scotts Valley for making this happen!
Henry Kim’s Eagle Scout project
Pacific Collegiate School junior, and Boy Scout Troop 614 member, Henry Kim led a group of volunteers over multiple days in September to renovate the aging barbecue stand at Skypark.
To complete this project, he raised funds, rounded up helpful volunteers, including employees of Lewis Design Build, and obtained donated materials from generous San Lorenzo Lumber.
This work, along with his many other community accomplishments, enabled Henry to become an Eagle Scout, which is the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America. Once again, Skypark has a sturdy, practical barbeque stand. Thank you, Henry!
Are you inspired to volunteer?
To support future volunteer interest, Parks and Recreation staff are working on a volunteer program to include volunteer workdays, specific projects and opportunities to donate. Follow the City on social media to learn more.
We appreciate these thoughtful volunteers and contributors, and many others, who have given time and money to improve our parks for all to enjoy.
Jack Dilles is mayor of the City of Scotts Valley. To reach Dilles, email [email protected] or call 831-566-3180.
