Friends announces non-profit status, founding board

The Friends of Del Mar Parks, a group of community residents formed to support a campaign to acquire the former Del Mar Shores School property on Ninth Street, has established itself as a non-profit California corporation. The mission of the Friends of Del Mar Parks is to acquire, enhance, preserve and support recreational, educational and open space in the Del Mar area for the benefit of the greater Del Mar community.

In conjunction with its official filing, a founding board of directors has been elected. They include: Joe Sullivan, president; Laura DeMarco, vice president; Corinne Hackbart, secretary, and board members Gale Darling, Bud Emerson, Kim Fletcher, Pat JaCoby, Grant Larson, Terry Sinnott, and Warren Spieker. Persons interested in joining the board should contact Sullivan at (858) 792-7733.

The Winston School, located on the Shores property, formerly served as the fiscal agent for the Campaign for Del Mar Shores. On April 14 the Del Mar City Council voted to purchase the 5.3-acre Shores property. Escrow on the property closed on May 21 with a $5 million payment to the Del Mar Unified School District, and a $3.5 million note, due in May 2009.

Since the city now owns the Shores property, and The Winston School will sign a 55-year lease with the City, separating the Campaign as a non-profit corporation will make fundraising efforts clearer and eliminate any possibility of conflict of interest between The Winston School and city of Del Mar, Sullivan said.

The Campaign for Del Mar Shores has raised $5.19 million to date for purchase of the property with contributions from about 225 donors according to Sullivan. An additional $3.5 million is needed to retire the city’s loan. Contributions can now be made to Friends of Del Mar Parks at www.delmarshores.org, or by calling (858) 481-4201.