Campaign for the River Studio: An Exciting Addition to Grant Park
STEM + ART + INSPIRATION
Artist rendering
Creating Indoor Space to Amplify Outdoor Learning Experiences for 10,000 Students Annually
$68,946 left to raise by 12/31/2024 to keep construction on schedule.
Did you know:
40% of students give schools a grade of C or lower in the use of technology
52% of students give schools a grade of C or lower in being excited about learning
This building will help bridge this gap for many students!
Its where we bring nature learning indoors.
Students will go indoors for microscopes, aquariums, remote monitoring stations, and more. We will also use art to further deepen nature connections.
Imagine a student collecting water from the River; then going indoors to view the sample with a digital microscope. The water will become alive! They will then learn how to tell if the river is healthy the river. They are doing science and having fun!
This is just the beginning of the opportunities for students to explore and connect with nature.
This $1.57M addition will also provide 3 restrooms, storage and expanded interpretive elements. The project will be built in phases as key fundraising milestones are reached.
Additional Ways to Donate - Click Here
Naming and Special Opportunities - Click Here
STATUS:
Good news: The River Studio's foundation has been built and utilities connected. Thank you to everyone who made this possible with your generous gifts! You raised more than $250,000!
Current Goal: Raise the funds needed to complete the River Studio's exterior so we have a weather-proof building. This phase of the Studio will cost $551,736.
Why is this important?
An indoor space will add greatly to our outdoor learning programs at Grant Park.
From our many years of experience we know the value of integrating our outdoor learning programs with our research programs. This 1200 sf building will greatly enhance the transformational impact of these programs by providing an indoor space for microscopes, remote sensing equipment and fish tanks. The Workshop provides a place for collaborative, project-based learning and fun. Art + STEM = STEAM. Technology and inspiration will all come together.
The San Diego River Arts Alliance Gallery will display the works of students right next to local professional artists.
We will use the power of STEAM to create meaningful nature connections!
Giving levels:
Studio Friends - Up to $499. Be invited to the dedication ceremony.
Rock Circle - $500 or $1000 Personalized River Rock installed - 2 sizes) on Conrad Prebys Stage Wall and be invited to the dedication ceremony
Mail In Form for River Rocks with engraving details(PDF)
River Society
- Permanent recognition on River Studio dedication plaque
$5000 River Club
$10,000 Park Partner
$25,000 Founders Circle - receive a private tour of the project
$50,000 or more - Be invited to special pre-dedication reception with the Architect and CEO
Mail in Form (PDF) for Donations or Pledges of $5000 or more
Unique Naming Opportunities- Start at $30,000
A limited number of trees and benches are available for dedications $5000 - $20,000.
Contact our Senior Manager for Philanthropy, Pat Rice, to discuss these.
Contact Pat at pat@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE
ONLINE (not using PayPal)
VENMO: @sandiegoriver
For: River Center
or use this link https://account.venmo.com/u/sandiegoriver
By Mail: send a check to:
The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
Memo: River Studio
Credit card, ACH by telephone: call 619-297-7380 M - F 8:30 - 1:30PM
Other:
- Gifts of stock or mutual funds- click here for details
- Cryptocurrency through Crypto for Charity
- IRA distributions
- Wire transfers
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 public benefit nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. EIN 01-0565671
Questions: Call 619-297-7380 ask for Pat or Rob
Watch a brief video about the Grant Park project
Grant Park Summary
-
17 acre site in Mission Valley with river running through it
- Former sand mining site transformed to nature park
- 70,000+ students at schools within 15 minute travel time, the goal is to provide programming for 10,000 students annually
- 100 seat Conrad Prebys Experience Stage
- McGrath Family Commons for neighborhood events and more
- Sustainable and accessible design
- Mutliple locations for small group learning
- 13+ acres available for field study
- Touch tank and other interactive exhibits
- Key location along regional San Diego River Trail
- Interpretive elements with emphasis on the San Diego River as a living resource
- Park amenities, gardens, and more!
Other Ways to Be Part of the Project
Help plant
You or your group or business can be a key part of this exciting Mission Valley Project.
Volunteers are needed to plant trees and a range of other tasks. Scout projects are also available. Contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Shane by email shane@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380.
Design and Planning Continues!
Thanks to a $500,000 federal grant secured with the help of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, planning and design will advance on new interpretive elements, gardens and other elements. If you are interested in being part of this effort, contact Rob, our CEO by email or at 619-297-7380. Thanks!
Give $5000 or more - Join River Society
Donations can be made in the form of a pledge.
River Society members will be invited to special events and receive permanent recognition of the project's dedication sign.
$5000- River Club
Benefits: be recognized on the permanent dedication sign.
$10,000 - Park Partners
Benefits: more prominent recognition on the The Den's permanent dedication sign.
Give $100,000 or more - Join the Founders' Club
This recognition is for cummulative 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 River Garden.
$200,000 - President's Circle
Benefits: our highest level of recognition! Your name will be recognized at one of the rows of seats at the Conrad Prebys Stage as well as all benefits of the Leadership Circle.
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Would you like to learn more? Please contact our Senior Manager of Philanthropy, Pat Rice, at 619-297-7380 or by email.
Unique Naming Opportunities Start at $30,000
- 8 foot tall waterfall
- Critter Walk
- Virtual Learning Station
- Entry Courtyard
- River Studio Building
and more!
For each of these we will work with you to recognize your generous donation.
To discuss these opportunities:
Contact Pat Rice, Senior Manager for Philanthropy and Government Relations
Click Here to Reach Pat by email
or call 619-297-7380 x 103
Grant Park is an exciting project that will grow over time.
Phase A grading, sidewalk, traffic lights, underground utilities and more.
Phase B constructing the 100 seat Conrad Prebys stage, a section of the San Diego River Pathway, gardens and the McGrath Family Commons
Current Phase. Add a 1200 square foot building for a Learning Workshop, Restrooms and Storage.
Future: expanded gardens, plant nursery, solar trellis, and elevated river boardwalk.
You are invited to help shape Grant Park!
Volunteer, donation of services and products, and financial gifts are all welcomed!
Tours Are Available
Tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more. Open tours are available on Thursdays and some weekends. Contact Pat Rice at 619-297-7380 x103 or by email to schedule your tour!
Your Group Can Help
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 The President Circle Donors:
| Vantile Company, LLC | Conrad Prebys Foundation |
| Alta Company, LLC | Tom and Cookie Sudberry |
| Philip Pryde | Quarry Falls, LLC |
| An anonymous gift | Hervey Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation |
| State of California | McGrath Family Foundation |
| The SDG&E Community Investment Fund at The San Diego Foundation |
Rendering of the McGrath Family Commons including The Arbor.
Learn More
Location
2450 Camino del Rio N
in Mission Valley
Latest News
12/1/2024 The River Studio foundation is complete!
Next step is to complete the exterior walls!