WHO IS FROG?


STEWARDS OF THE FROGPARK PLAYGROUNDS
Friends of the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt (FROG) has evolved into a committee dedicated {short description of image} to maintaining and enhancing their two community-built playgrounds and representing the young families of the neighborhood in the ongoing development of the Greenbelt in which both playgrounds are situated. (back to top)

COORDINATORS THE BIG COMMUNITY-BUILD, OCT 3-14, 2001
FROG organized the construction of the two playgrounds for the new Greenbelt, which were built entirely by volunteers in just ten days from Oct 3-14, 2001. Those playgrounds were designed by Robert Leathers & Associates of Ithica, NY in collaboration with local Rockridge kids and community members. FROG was initially run by a volunteer steering committee, the original organizers, that prepared for the big barn-raising event and recruited over 1,300 community members to help build the playgrounds. Our thanks for the strong support from the Rockridge and Temescal communities in order to make the playground build such a success!

We especially want to recognize the original organizers of the playgrounds who dedicated over a year in preparation as well as the volunteer construction captains who oversaw the 10 day build. In addition, there are several other community members who deserve special mention. (back to top)

ONE COMMITTEE FOR TWO COMMUNITIES
FROG was formed in 2000 by community leaders from both the Rockridge and Temescal neighborhoods, with the purpose of raising community funds towards the full completion of the Greenbelt. FROG evolved out of the Rockridge Parks Committee, which first began the drive to find a park for the area back in 1993. FROG became instrumental in the fundraising, site selection and design process for the Greenbelt, in addition to the construction of the playgrounds. (back to top)

FROG RAISES COMMUNITY FUNDS
As of July 2004, FROG raised $115,000 of community donations for the Greenbelt. Rockridge Community Planning Council acts as fiscal agent for FROG, accepting tax-deductible park gifts and grants. Early fundraising efforts included a neighborhood one-day flea market, the sale of FROG tee-shirts at Rockridge Kids on College Avenue, and Discount Dining Cards in which 15 local restaurants participated. Many individuals and organizations in the community have given generously to the park effort. See Thanks to Our Supporters section for a complete list of donors of gifts of $100 and above. Click here to make YOUR tax-deductible donation today. (back to top)

FROG HELPS IN SEARCH FOR A SITE
Through its predecessor, Rockridge Parks Committee, FROG's early efforts were focused primarily on site selection for a community park. The original intention to locate the park at the parking lot of the existing Department of Motor Vehicles building on Claremont proved unworkable. At times, it appeared that the Rockridge Parks Committee was at loggerheads with the local DMV Neighbors Association. Over a period of several years, however, concensus evolved in the community for a greenbelt running along Temescal Creek, but only with the hard work and creativity of several local individuals, most noteably - Peter Hollingsworth, Eric Clausen, attorney David Ostrander and architect Tom Dolan. (back to top)

FROG CHAMPIONS THE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
FROG initiated the movement to bring the renowned design firm Robert Leathers & Associates (Robert Leathers) into the playground design process. On January 22, 2001, FROG sponsored a community meeting with Councilmember Jane Brunner, at which the community voted to build two children's playgrounds, one at either end of the Greenbelt, and to retain Robert Leathers to oversee the design and build of the playground structures. Robert Leathers specializes in community-built playgrounds, having completed over 2,000 to date. FROG hosted Robert Leathers' representative John Dean for Design Day, March 22, 2001, when over 800 children from local schools got a chance to submit their ideas and drawings for the playgrounds. FROG then worked with Leathers to incorporate the childrens' ideas into a creative set of plans for two fun, unique playgrounds and led the organization of and fundraising for the community-build playgrounds. For pictures of Design Day, see the Photo Gallery. For more information about Robert Leathers, visit their website at www.leathersassociates.com. (back to top)