Grant Park
The River Studio at Grant Park: Where Nature Comes Indoors
Imagine a student collecting water from the River, then going indoors to view the sample with a digital microscope. The water will become alive and the student will learn how to tell if the River is healthy! This is what awaits our community with the opening of the River Studio at Grant Park.
The River Studio at Grant Park will act as a new home for the San Diego River in the heart of Mission Valley. With nature as a classroom, it will provide free, hands-on STEM learning experiences to thousands of kids with the goal of inspiring pursuit of STEM education and careers and a love for the river.
Together, we can finish building the River Studio and create nature connections to last a lifetime. Learn more about Grant Park giving opportunities.
Make a secure, online donation using PayPal.
About the River Studio
The River Studio was developed out of a need for an indoor space to add to the experience of our Cool River Education Program at Grant Park. It was originally planned and therefore fully permitted. As cost escalated it was decided to not include the building in the original construction. However, after reviewing the project it was determined that the building was really needed and key to the success of the education program. We have tried a few different names for the building, and have landed on the River Studio.
From our many years of experience we know the value of integrating our outdoor learning programs with our research programs. This 1200 square foot building will greatly enhance the transformational impact of these programs by providing an indoor space for microscopes, remote sensing equipment and fish tanks.
The San Diego River Arts Alliance Gallery will display the work of local experienced artists right next to that of the students. The Workshop provides a place for collaborative, project-based learning and fun. Art + STEM = STEAM. Technology and inspiration will all come together. The River Studio will be used for a variety of purposes but always with the students coming first.
Donate to the River Studio at Grant Park
The River Studio provides space for a learning workshop. Students will go indoors to access digital microscopes, fish tanks, remote monitoring data, STEM Station, and more - all things that can't be left outdoors.
With your gift today, we will be a step closer to integrating technology and art to our outdoor learning program for kids. Together, we can finish building the River Studio and create nature connections to last a lifetime. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar! 100% of your gift goes to construction.
Make a secure, online donation using PayPal.
Additional Opportunities for Support
If you have questions or would like to learn more about these opportunities, contact our Senior Manager of Philanthropy, Pat Rice, at 619-297-7380 or by email.
River Society - Leadership Circle
For anyone who can make a transformative gift, we have created a special opportunity to recognize your impact. This recognition is for cumulative giving including special naming opportunities.
$100,000 - Leadership Circle
Benefits: in addition to being prominently recognized on the dedication plaque your generous gift will also be recognized at the planned Leadership Circle located in the future Entry Meadow.
$200,000 - President's Circle
Benefits: same as Leadership Circle but with the most prominent recognition.
River Society - $5000 or more
Donate now or make a pledge for up to 3 years
All River Society members will be invited to special events and receive permanent recognition on the project's dedication sign (unless you select a unique naming opportunity)
$5000 - River Club
Benefits: be recognized on the permanent dedication sign.
$10,000 - Park Partners
Benefits: more prominent recognition on the permanent dedication sign.
$25,000 and up
Contact the River Park Foundation team, and we can discuss with you the opportunities at this level.
Naming Opportunities
Naming Opportunities - There are limited number of benches and unique naming opportunities starting at $10,000.
- Benches and trees - $5000, $10,000+
- Virtual Learning Station - $30,000
- 6 - 8 foot tall water feature - TAKEN!
- Entry Courtyard - $80,000
- Deer Grass Meadow - $50,000
- Critter Walk - TAKEN!
- Entire River Studio Building - call us to discuss!
- Art Garden - call us to discuss
Personalized River Rocks - $500 or $1000
Two rock sizes are available. Rocks will be built into part of the Conrad Prebys Stage at a very prominent location and will be visible to park goers as they enter Grant Park from the parking area. Rocks can accommodate up to 3 lines with 20 characters each.
Mail or email your completed Grant Park Rocks donation form. You may also donate online and we will email you a form for the dedication information.
Art Tile - $160 donation
You can support the project with a personalized 6" x 6" decorated ceramic tile.
Your tile will be installed on a landscapeseat wall within the planned Art Garden at Grant Park. Artists have created several designs for you. You pick the one you like and let us know the name(s) or phrase you want added to the design. We will take care of everything else!
Less than 50 art tiles remain available in this initial offering.
Mail or email your completed Grant Park Tile donation form. You may also donate online and we will email you a form for the dedication information.
Other Ways to Be Involved
Plant the gardens
You or your group or business can be a key part of this exciting Mission Valley Project. Volunteers are needed to plant trees and plants. We are also adding a weekly garden care team, in addition to our Thursday group. Scout projects are also available.
Install benches, signs, etc.
We are signing up groups for planting, shade structure building, installing benches and signs, and more.
Contact Shane Conta by email or call 619-297-7380 to learn more.
Special Thanks to our President Circle Donors
- Vantile Company, LLC
- Alta Company, LLC
- Philip Pryde
- An anonymous gift
- State of California
- The SDG&E Community Investment Fund at The San Diego Foundation
- Conrad Prebys Foundation
- Tom and Cookie Sudberry
- Quarry Falls, LLC
- Hervey Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation
- McGrath Family Foundation