Wildomar Asking The Community To 'Bark At The Park'

In an effort to continue the rehabilitation of Wildomar's parks, the city is hoping residents are interested in getting a little exercise Saturday, Jan. 11.

Dubbed the "Bark at the Park" event, citizens are being asked to turn out with shovels and wheelbarrows between 8 a.m. and noon to help spread bark at both Marna O'Brien and Windsong parks.

The $10,530 worth of bark from Pomona-based Recycled Wood Products Inc. is being provided by the city, according to Wildomar City Manager Gary Nordquist.

Efforts have been ongoing to ready Wildomar's three parks for reopening. Hundreds of volunteers turned out at the parks in October for a "Great Day of Service" that saw citizens planting, cleaning, raking, and more.

Tom Pilkington, a United Methodist Church member who led the Great Day of Service, said in October that he was pleased with the turnout of an estimated 500 people and the money raised for the event.

“We raised just the right amount to pay for everything being done ... $65,000 total,” he said during the October event.

During the upcoming Jan. 11 event, residents will also have the opportunity to donate to the parks' cause during a "Tile Painting Fundraiser." For a fee, residents can paint a tile -- or tiles -- to be displayed at Marna O'Brien Park. Funds raised will be used for the parks, according to the city. Click here to read more about a previous Tile Painting Fundraiser held at Marna O'Brien.

In November 2012, Wildomar voters passed Measure Z, which imposed a $28 annual tax on property owners for the purpose of funding the city's parks. Prior to the Measure's passage, the parks had closed due to lack of funding to maintain the three facilities. With the passage, the city now has an ongoing revenue stream to keep the parks open. Monies being raised now are being used to ready the parks for complete reopening.

Those interested in helping out Jan. 11 can go to the parks located at 20505 Palomar Street (Marna O'Brien Park) and 35459 Prairie Road (Windsong Park).