Summary
Organization name
Denton Parks Foundation
Causes
Community Improvement
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Denton
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address
PO Box 75Denton, TX 76202
For over three decades DPF has collaborated with the City of Denton, corporations, foundations and individuals alike to meet the needs and expectations of our community. Together, we help fill the gap that exists when our park's needs surpass the tax dollars available.
We believe that when a community unites, parks get better and it's our vision to unite people over parks and play resulting in a quality life for all.
Through collaborations and investments DPF positively impacts the quality life of Denton residents by providing much need funding and support in the following areas:
Preservation of Open Space -
Trees, trails, creek and lakes all make for beautiful open spaces that give Denton residents a break from their daily grind and attract visitors year-round. DPF is committed to supporting the City of Denton in the preservation of open space. As our community continues to grow and change, so does the landscape of our city. With your support we can ensure, no matter how big Denton gets, land is reserved for the preservation of open space.
Park & Playground Development -
The City of Denton's parks and playgrounds are enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors alike. These green spaces aren't just for keeping dogs and kids busy or an outside area for exercise. These parks and playgrounds are a vital foundation to a quality of life for all! They are an intersection for community collaboration and civic engagement. When you support park and playground development you help protect, nurture and develop our area's parks and playgrounds.
Scholarships -
We believe that all children should have access to safe and fun recreational activities no matter their family's ability to pay. In partnership with the Denton Parks and Recreation Department, DPF helps provide partial scholarships for access to recreational opportunities and childcare services for children from low-income families. These scholarships transform kids into ballet dancers, basketball dribblers and soccer players as well as provide much needed after school care, all-day camp and access to pre-k education. With you, we are providing more children access to normative activities and childhood experiences. Together, we are building stronger children and strengthening families and our community as a whole.
It's the mission of the Denton Parks Foundation to engage the Denton community to enhance the mission of the Denton Parks and Rec Department to UNITE, GROW and PLAY.
We believe that when a community unites, parks get better and it's our vision to unite people over parks and play resulting in a quality life for all.
Denton resident's lives are enriched by our city's outstanding parks system that includes 44 parks and trails, 27 playgrounds, 25 bridges, 23 pavilions, dozens of sports facilities, 5 recreation centers and gyms and too many classes to count. While the Denton Parks Foundation collaborates with the Denton Parks and Recreation Department, the Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 organization and has no direct affiliation with the City of Denton and is governed by its own board of directors.
Being a kid is great and being a kid with access to recreational activities is truly transformational and a real privilege. Competing on sports teams, attending summer camps and performing at dance recitals are what childhood dreams are made of but for many, costs can get in the way of these opportunities and childhood experiences. In fact, according to key findings data from the National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the CDC, in 2020 54.1% of children aged 6-17 years participated in sports in the 12-month period. However, differences in participation were reported across select demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic characteristics. Participation levels were lower among children from a racial and ethnic minority group, children whose parents had lower education levels and family income.
We, at the Denton Parks Foundation, believe that all children should have access to safe and fun recreational activities no matter their family's ability to pay. And in proud partnership with the Denton Parks and Recreation Department (DPARD), together we help provide partial scholarships for access to recreational opportunities and childcare services to children from low-income families.
In program year 2021-2022, donors helped provide 120 scholarships and in program year 2022-2023, 360 scholarships were given, ensuring children had access to 172 programs and services provided by the DPARD. Kids experienced summer camps including The Mighty Jungle, Wild Wonders, Ocean Commotion, Building the USA and so many more. These scholarships turned kids into ballet dancers, basketball dribblers and soccer players and even some provided much needed after school care, all-day camp and access to pre-k education. Because of our collaborative spirit more children have had access to normative activities and childhood experiences.
Unfortunately, roughly 34% of students enrolled in Denton ISD, are considered economically disadvantaged. That means thousands of children and their families qualify for partial scholarships each year, however, funding isn't always available. But with the support from donors like you, together we can fill the gap that exists in funding and ensure all kids have access to our outstanding parks and rec system.
Because money doesn't grow on trees, we need your help to give children a chance and make dreams come true. No matter the size of your gift, every dollar makes a difference and helps further the Denton Parks Foundation mission and makes parks better for all!
The Denton Parks Foundation provides different types of services in support of our mission. We provide fiduciary services for affiliate groups, mobilize volunteers, offer scholarships and grants, promote and operate events, and provide advocacy and coalition services. The synergy of these services results in improved park maintenance, greater taxpayer support per resident, and an enhanced reputation regarding the quality of our community’s parks.
Organization name
Denton Parks Foundation
Causes
Community Improvement
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Denton
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address
PO Box 75