Solano PLAY was born in 2009 when a group of neighbors in the North & East neighborhood of Richmond decided that the Solano Playlot needed to be revitalized. It was not only a source of blight in our community - a large, sand-filled park with rusting, hazardous play equipment dating to the 1950s. More importantly, it lacked what our neighborhood desperately needed - a safe, inspiring place for kids to play and for parents to connect with each other. Six years ago, we created the first annual Spring Celebration in the Solano Playlot to realize the vision we had for the park - as a place where our community could come together and where kids could build lasting, joyful memories. Our first event drew almost 200 people to an otherwise forlorn and forgotten park, which, for a few short hours, was transformed into a place of joy, excitement and beauty.
Six years later, we are again holding a Spring event. But this year, it's in a very different park. After years of organizing and working with residents and the city to develop a vision and plan for a new park, we are proud to host the 6th Annual Spring Festival in the new Solano Playlot. The park now is a manifestation of the dedication and love so many volunteers have poured into making it a true jewel in our city. We continue to make improvements, like the stunning new community bulletin board that was designed and built this winter by neighbors and funded by a grant from the Soroptimists. Our Spring event reflects our desire to build community as well as to raise funds for continued park improvements. Please join us on Saturday from 2-4pm at the Solano Playlot (38th and Solano Ave. in Richmond). You can support this great cause by bidding on art in our art auction, buying a chance to win one of our great raffle prizes, or purchasing items from our bake sale. Kids will enjoy art projects, movement activities, face painting, balloon twisting, and much more. With live music and many activities geared at adults and kids alike, fun is guaranteed!
By: Melanie Myers, co-founder of Solano PLAY, a 10-year Richmond resident, and mother of two
By: Melanie Myers, co-founder of Solano PLAY, a 10-year Richmond resident, and mother of two
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