2008 Highlights

  • This brief report highlights the work of the BREC Foundation in 2008.  It will focus on the role of the Foundation with respect to grant administration and oversight as well as the responsibilities outlined in the cooperative endeavor agreement with BREC.
  • The Memorandum of Understanding with Wampold Companies and the Milford Wampold Foundation was completed which resulted in a donation of $167,695 (in-kind) and $106,605 (cash) for Phase 1 improvements to Stanford Avenue (Baton Rouge Beach) Park. 
  • Baton Rouge Area Foundation provided a $15,000 seed grant to begin a pilot program for the Summer of 2008. The BREC Park and Conservation Teen Corps will be composed of teens (ages 15 – 19) who will be organized into two crews of ten, with each crew working under the supervision of an adult leader.    The adult leader of each crew will undergo an extensive one-week training program outlining the expectations and goals of the corps program.  Each crew will undertake and complete to specifications highly visible, achievable and measurable projects. 
  • Residents of Leeward Park area contributed $19,260 for park improvements.
  • The Parrot Head Club made a donation of $2,000 for the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
  • The staff coordinated the donation of playground equipment from Renaissance Village to Alaska Street Park (collaboration with Hope VI) and Elvin Drive Park. 
  • The Baton Rouge Cycling Association contributed $1,000 for improvements to the BMX track at Perkins Road Park.
  • ExxonMobil Foundation Volunteer Involvement Fund gave $4,500 for Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center; ExxonMobil provided $4,400 for a summer interns for the Outreach Recreation Department.
  • D. Honore Construction donated $10,000 for the pavilion to be built at the dog park at Burbank Park.
  • Georgia Pacific contributed $1,000 for the day camp program in Plains-Port Hudson area.
  • Various individuals and companies gave $3,209 for the Back 2 School Jam.
  • The Walmart Neighborhood Market at Highland and Lee contributed $5,000 for improvements to City Park Lake-May Street Park.
  • The 2007 audit was conducted and the Foundation received an unqualified opinion.
  • Rockit Science Agency has been working on a marketing campaign for the Foundation.  Expected to launch in early 2009, this re-branding will feature a new logo, materials and website.  Over $40,000 of work is being provided as a donation.