In October 2001, more than 1,300 volunteers came together over 10 days for the “Big Build,” a remarkable neighborhood effort to transform the Temescal Creek greenbelt into a community playground. Working side by side, residents built two large, custom-designed wooden play structures that became the anchors of what is now known as Frog Park.
Rockridge neighbors work together on Frog Park’s construction in 2001. Photos: Bill Caldwell
The project was organized by FROG, the Friends of the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt, and was made possible through extensive community involvement, fundraising and volunteer labor. Nearly 25 years later, FROG and the Rockridge community will gather to celebrate the milestone and continue the tradition of caring for the park.
On this year’s Creek-to-Bay Day, Saturday, September 19, everyone is invited to join FROG’s semi-annual park cleanup, from 9am to noon. Volunteers will trim ivy, clear weeds, fluff the Fibar®, sift the sand, pick up trash, paint over graffiti and tackle other maintenance projects. FROG will provide gloves and tools, as well as coffee and pastries; participants should bring their own water.
After the cleanup, around noon, the celebration will continue with refreshments, games and crafts for children, along with recognition of the many volunteers who have helped create, maintain and improve Frog Park over the years. The event is both a celebration of the park’s history and a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together.
Please join in celebrating this special event and this beloved community park, more information can be found at www.frogpark.org.
