Join the Effort for 10,000 Students to Have Nature as a Classroom
Donate to the Building Fund for the River Center at Grant Park and have twice the impact until 12/15!
"Their experience starts at the Conrad Prebys Interactive Stage and continues on to explore and learn in the field study area for a day they will never forget and the nature connection is made"
Exciting News: Your gift will now go twice as far in connecting deserving kids with nature!
Imagine a place where 10,000 students per year will be able to have the San Diego River as a classroom. Where research and nature stewardship will come together to create a special learning experience. Image a new 17 acre facility in the heart of Mission Valley.
This is the vision for the River Center at Grant Park. More than $4.5 M has been raised for construction that has started so students can start attending in September of 2024.
And now your gift will have twice the impact!
All donations and pledges received by December 15th will be matched!
Less than $48,000 is needed to finish construction of the base project and stay on schedule. That means with the match just $24,000 is needed!
We then will continue raising funds for elements such as a shade structure that will be added after current construction. See below for more details
We invite you to join the effort to raise the remaining funds needed to finish construction and open the River Center at Grant Park.
Together we can do this!
For donations of $200 or more, special opportunities are available. LEARN MORE
Special Holiday Gift Idea
Make a $25 donation in someone's name
We will send them a special card letting them know that you made a gift in their name.
With the donation button below, you can provide their name and mailing address. If you prefer, contact our office and we can take the information over the phone or send us an email at gifts@sandiegoriver.org.
Their name will be listed in an honor roll to be bult into the project. So they can see their name and know they played in an important role in creating nature connections for 10,000 students annualy. Please use this link:
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE
Online with 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 Center Phase 2
Credit card by telephone: call 619-297-7380 M - F 8:30 - 1:30PM
Other:
- Gifts of stock or mutual funds- click here for details
- IRA distributions
- Wire transfers
Please call us if you have any questions at 619-297-7380
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 project
Project Summary
-
17 acre site in Mission Valley with river running through it
- 70,000+ students at schools within 15 minute travel time
- 100 seat interpretive experience stage
- Program building for cool river lab and distance learning
- 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, restrooms, refreshment stand and more!
Sign Your Group Up To Help
We are signing up groups for planting and other activities.
Contact Shane Conta
by email or call 619-297-7380 to get involved.
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 Opportunities
$200 - Engraved Commemorative Paver
Your donation of $200 will secure you a wonderful
4 inch by 8 inch commemorative paver to be installed along the entry path. There are two options: engrave 3 lines of text with 20 characters on each line (including spaces) OR engrave 3 lines of text with 14 characters and art (bobcat paw, eagle, trout, oak tree, or frog). Make your donation online, and we will contact you for the engraving details or you can use our mail in form.
Donate by Mail: Form (PDF)
$500 or $1000 Commemorative Engraved River Rock
Your river rock will be easily accessible along the Intereactive Stage Entry Wall.
There are two sizes of river rocks for $500 or $1000. They will be installed when the seating area is built. For a $2000 donation you can select the large rock location.
You can engrave
3 lines of text with 20 characters or spaces per line.
For donations online, we will contact you for your engraving.
Mail In Form with engraving details(PDF)
Donate $5000 or More and Join the River Society
Donations can be made in the form of a pledge
$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 - Founder's Circle
Benefits: Be invited to a special tour of the site and pre-opening reception.
Mail in Form (PDF) for Donations or Pledges of $5000 or more
Limited Number of Unique Recognition Opportunities Remain Available
Current Opportunities:
Dedicated Park Bench
8- foot Tall Waterfall
Critter Walk - a featured element visible along Camino del Rio N
The Den
To learn more:
Contact Pat Rice Senior Manager for Philanthropy and Government Relations
by email or call 619-297-7380 x 103
This project is being constructed in phases as funding allows. The $4.68M Phase 1 was grading, sidewalk, traffic lights, underground utilities and more. Phase 2 is the current work. The base project includes the 100 seat Conrad Prebys stage, a section of the San Diego River Pathway, gardens and the commons. Several components will be added to the base project including a learning hub, shade structure, Critter Walk Art Feature, and PV trellis in the parking lot.
If you are interested in learning about how you can support these projects, please contact Pat Rice at 619-297-7380 ext 103.
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 |
Rendering of the neighborhood gathering place including The Arbor.
Learn More
Location
2450 Camino del Rio N
in Mission Valley
Latest News
9/28 City of San Diego Issues Building Permit
8/1 State Awards $2.5 M for Construction
5/8 $4.68 M Fundraising Goal met for Phase 1