Groundwork Trust Oakland Steering Committee
In the spring of 2006, the Oakland Groundwork Trust Steering Committee undertook a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a permanent Groundwork Trust in Oakland. While the benefit and need for a Groundwork Trust was established, there was not a sufficient commitment to form an active board at this time. Committee members hope that the programs and projects identified in the study will be implemented by existing community organizations in Oakland.
July 5, 2006
Greetings,
The Groundwork Trust Oakland Steering Committee completed its feasibility study in May, 2006 and held its final meeting in June. At that time the committee made the difficult decision not to establish a Groundwork Trust non-profit organization in Oakland.
While the study demonstrated community support and a clear need for the programs and projects identified by the committee as well as a solid business plan with potential funding sources, committee members were nonetheless unable to secure sufficient commitments to form an active board.
As disappointing as this conclusion may appear initially, steering committee members continue to feel enthusiastic about the relevance of the Feasibility Study Report and its potential value to Oakland's green environment.
The work embodied in the report reveals the importance of volunteer participation in parks and identifies ways to expand and support that volunteer base. It is the hope and expectation of the GW committee that the projects detailed in the Feasibility Study Report will be studied and implemented by several of the many excellent organizations already working to build healthy parks and communities in Oakland.
To this end, Oakland's Public Works Agency will post the complete report on the city's website and will make hardcopies available upon request. Additionally, steering committee members are available to talk in more detail about the report or any of the projects - in fact, you may hear from us.
The committee is grateful for the widespread interest and support of what's proved to be a very exciting evaluation of Oakland's communities, parks, non-profit organizations, and public agencies.
Cordially,
Gillian Garro, for the Groundwork Trust Steering Committee
Gillian Garro
Gillian@Larmangarro.com
510-534-1684
Jocelyn Combs
Public Works Agency
jcombs@oaklandnet.com
510-615-5583