Friends of the Gates Recreation & Parks

Are you interested in the recreational opportunities and facilities in Gates? Would you like to get involved in some fun activities and meet some great people? Then this "Friends" group if is for you! This non-profit 501(c)(3) group was formed in January of 2002 to assist the department in achieving specific goals, promoting the department programs and services and lending volunteer support for projects and special events. Membership is absolutely free! All we ask is that you give some time and energy during the year to help raise funds for park improvements, new programs or equipment.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Friends of Gates Recreation and Parks Inc. is to support the preservation, conservation, improvement and development of the Gates Recreation and Parks System by offering educational and recreational programs, services, and activities reflective of and consistent with the development and improvement of Town of Gates parks and recreational programs; to engage in fund raising activities; to purchase or otherwise acquire objects, equipment and supplies for the benefit of Gates Recreation and Parks Department; and to otherwise support and promote Gates Recreation and Parks Department for the benefit of the public and posterity.

Board Members:

President, Dennis Laba
Vice President, Greg Westbrook
Treasurer, James Gray
Secretary, Virginia Paddock
Trustee, Ann Paddock

From left: Greg Westbrook, Vice President; Jim Gray, Treasurer; Dennis Laba, President; Virginia Paddock, Secretary; Ann Paddock, Trustee.
Absent: Charles Arnold, Mary Frances Johnson, Debbie Lanceri

Accomplishments to date:

• Received 501(c)(3) status to be eligible for foundation grants.
• Sponsored a food booth at the last two Gates Summer Celebrations.
• Have had Friends banner printed.
• Have been accumulating fund balance through Pepsi sales at Westgate Park.
• Have invited Gates youth to a board meeting to hear their input on recreational needs of teens in Gates
• Have assisted in a Teen Open Mic Night at Westgate Park
• Participation at the Gates Summer Celebration
• Food vending at Town Park
• Information Booth at Summer Concert Series
• Recreation and Parks Event Help
• Held three Euchre Tournaments at Hidden Valley Clubhouse
• Applied for and received a $2,000 grant from CitiBank to support Gates Community Theater
• Party for the Parks - 2 Fundraiser concerts were held at Rick's Prime Rib in July and August to raise funds for the parks.
• Held Euchre Tournaments at Hidden Valley Clubhouse.

For information on how you can help or to join our group, call the Recreation and Parks Director, Linda Fowler, at 247-6100 Ext. 237 or send her an e-mail at lfowler@townofgates.org. We are looking forward to your participation.