Help Finish The River Studio - Advancing Youth Nature Learning
Gifts received by 3/28 will be matched up to $45,000!
Artist rendering
With your gift today, we will be a step closer to integrating technology and art to our outdoor learning program for kids
Your gift will be matched $ for dollar! Have 2X the impact!
100% of your gift goes to construction of the River Studio.
This exciting addition to Mission Valley's Grant Park along the San Diego River, will reach 10,000 students annually!
Students will go indoors to access digital microscopes, fish tanks, remote monitoring data, a STEM Station,, and more - all things that can't be left outdoors.
Imagine a student collecting water from the River; then going indoors to view the sample with a digital microscope. The water will become alive! The students learn how to tell if the river is healthy. They are doing science and having fun! We are also partnering with the San Diego River Arts Alliance to display the work of local artists and to integrate art into the River Studio programming!
Project Details - Click Here
Together, we can finish building the River Studio and create nature connections to last a lifetime.
Other ways to donate - click here
If you can donate $160 or more, we have some special opportunities:
Personalized Art Tile $160 - learn more
Engraved River Rock $500 or $1000 - learn more
Join the River Society $5000 or more - learn more
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. 2 options: Decorate your tile at a fun painting party on March 23rd from 10AM - 1PM. Details below! Or select a design that artists will make for you. Let us know the name(s) or phrase you want us to add to the design. We will take care of everything else!
Just 100 art tiles are available in this initial offering.
Use the Online Donation Button below each tile option or call 619-297-7380
Mailing a Check? Use this form
Tile Design - 2 options to choose from:
1. You Design! Join us on Sunday, March 23rd from 10AM to 1PM for a Tile Decorating Party!
Get creative and design your own tile at a fun, family-friendly event at the River Park Foundation office. Artists will be on hand to help you and all supplies will be provided.
Once you are done we will prepare the ceramic tile and install it on a seat wall at the Art Garden. If you miss the March 23rd event, don't worry! We will hold another event in the future.
All tiles are 6 " x 6"
ceramic
2. You pick a design! Provide the text (max is about 30+/- characters) when you donate online or mail in the form. We will contact you to confirm the details.
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The Seat Wall is now built, and ready for your tile. Once the tiles are installed, then we will plant this area, and create the Art Garden.
Questions: call us at 619-297-7380 or send us an email
Personalized River Rocks - $500 or $1000
2 sizes are available. Built into part of the Conrad Prebys Stage at a very prominent location as park goers enter Grant Park from the parking area. Up to 3 lines with 20 characters each. This is a tremendous opportunity!Mail In Form for River Rocks with personalization(PDF)
Rock Donations: we will contact you to confirm how you would like your rock personalized.
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 - see below for details)
$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 - There are limited number of benches and unique naming opportunities starting at $10,000.Current Offerings
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 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 Entry Meadow.
$200,000 - President's Circle
Benefits: same as Leadership Circle but with the most prominent recognition.
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Would you like to learn more about any of these opportunities?
Contact our Senior Manager of Philanthropy, Pat Rice, at 619-297-7380 or by email.
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE
ONLINE (not using PayPal) by ACH or Credit/Bank Card:
By Mail: send a check to:
The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
Memo: River Studio
Pledge / Donation Form
By telephone: call 619-297-7380 M - F 8:30 - 1:30PM
Yes, there are other ways:
- Gifts of stock or mutual funds- Details
- Cryptocurrency through Crypto for Charity
- IRA distributions
- Wire transfers
- Bequests - Details
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VENMO: @sandiegoriver
For: River Centeror use this link https://account.venmo.com/u/sandiegoriver
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 public benefit nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. EIN 01-0565671
Watch a brief video about the Grant Park project
Project Background
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 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 work of local experienced artists right next to that of the students. The River Studio will be used for a variety of purposes but always with the students coming first.
Project Status:
February 2025: Exciting news, the exterior walls and roof are now complete!
Grant Park Summary
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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
Grant Park is an exciting project that will grow over time in phases
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 the 1200 square foot River Studio building for a Learning Workshop, Restrooms and Storage.
Future: expanded gardens, plant nursery, solar trellis, and elevated river boardwalk.
Other Ways to Be Part of the Project
Help 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.
Help 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.
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!
Available Naming Opportunities
- Benches and trees - $10,000 and +
- Virtual Learning Station - $30,000
- 6 - 8 foot tall water feature - $60,000
- Entry Courtyard - $80,000
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Critter Walk - TAKEN!
- Entire River Studio Building - call us to discuss!
- Art Garden - call us to discuss
Additional opportunities will become available as the project advances.
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
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!
Special Thanks to the President Circle Donors:
Your incredible support has been transformative as we seek to get kids hooked on nature, create a new river-focused park and heal 17 acres which was once the site of a sand mining operation. Thank you!
| Vantile Company, LLC | Conrad Prebys Foundation |
| Alta Company, LLC | Tom and Cookie Sudberry |
| Philip Pryde | Quarry Falls, LLC |
| 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
2/1/2025 The River Studio
Exterior walls and roof are built!
Next step is to apply stucco on the exterior walls. Then windows and doors can be installed. .
But we must raise the remaining funds to finish the building.