August Newsletter: Strength in Summer, Support Your Parks. Updates and News!

From groundbreaking milestones to beloved traditions, the final summer moments are full of ways to support and strengthen our parks. Tickets are still on sale for Dinner in the Park, our signature fundraiser that directly supports park improvements, programs, and scholarships that open the door for local youth to participate in recreation programs. We’re also gearing up for the return of Barktoberfest, a fun-filled, pet-friendly festival that helps raise funds for our dog park at Carmichael Park. Alongside these celebrations, we’re proud to share updates on exciting groundbreakings that mark the beginning of long-awaited enhancements to our parks.Your support—whether through attending events, becoming a sponsor, or making a gift—ensures that our parks remain vibrant, welcoming, and thriving for generations to come. Together, we can turn every ticket, every sponsorship, and every donation into lasting impact for our community.
Carmichael Parks Foundation

Flyer for Carmichael Parks Foundation's 6th "Dinner in the Park" on Sept 6th at Jensen Botanical Garden, featuring food, music, and fun.

🍷✨ Dinner in the Park – Tickets On Sale Now!
Don’t delay—tickets for Dinner in the Park are going fast! Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars, filled with fine dining, live entertainment, and community spirit—all in support of Carmichael’s parks, programs, and youth scholarships. Every ticket purchased helps create lasting impact right here in our community. Reserve your spot today and be part of the celebration that keeps our parks thriving.

A graphic with text: "Click here to reserve an executive VIP table for 8," with decorative leaves and lights.

Text: "CLICK HERE TO RESERVE AN INDIVIDUAL TICKET" on an orange circle with decorative leaves and lights.

"Click here to reserve a VIP table for 8" with decorative leaves and lights.

Event sponsorship flyer for 6th Dinner in the Park; details pricing for exclusive and business table sponsorship opportunities.

Carmichael Parks Foundation Scholarship Update

$12,954, 201 scholarships, Hangout, Summer Camp, Sports, Tiny.

🎓 Scholarships Through June 30th 2025

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Sharon Ruffner Memorial Scholarships have already provided $12,954 in funding, opening the door to 201 scholarships through June 30, 2025. These scholarships have helped local youth take part in programs such as Kids Hangout, Summer Camps, Sports, and Tiny Tots—ensuring every child has the chance to play, learn, and grow.

We are on track to surpass the total amount donated in 2024, making this year one of the most impactful yet. Every contribution—big or small—helps create opportunities for the next generation of Carmichael kids.

People gathered at a park event and groundbreaking ceremony, some holding certificates, others with shovels and hard hats.

🚧 Celebrating Park Progress

This month, the Carmichael Parks Foundation was proud to be in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremonies for both Glancy Oaks Park and La Sierra Community Center, both part of the Measure G improvement projects. These milestones mark the start of long-awaited upgrades that will bring new life, updated amenities, and more opportunities for recreation in our community.

We are grateful to celebrate alongside our partners, neighbors, and supporters who make these projects possible. Moments like these remind us why your contributions matter—together, we’re building stronger, greener spaces for generations to come.

Barktober Festival on Oct 18, 2025, at Carmichael Park. Features vendor booths, activities, pumpkin patch, demos, food trucks, pet contest.

🐾 Barktoberfest is Back!

Get ready—Barktoberfest returns this October 18th for its third year at Carmichael Park! This paw-some, pet-friendly fall festival brings together the whole community for a day filled with doggy-and-me games, pet demonstrations, a costume contest, pumpkin patch fun, live music, local vendors, food trucks, and highlighting pet adoptions from local rescues.

This year, the Carmichael Parks Foundation is proud to partner with the Carmichael Recreation and Park Districtto present Barktoberfest, with proceeds benefiting the Carmichael Dog Park. Every wag, bark, and tail-chasing moment supports better spaces for pets, families, and neighbors alike. We are currently accepting vendors and sponsors! Details below.

A large outdoor gathering with people seated on chairs and picnic blankets in a park, surrounded by trees and a festive atmosphere.

A child plays with bubbles in a park; below is a booth for Carmichael Parks Foundation, with a woman standing beside a display.

🎶 Summer Concert Fun

We had a blast joining the community at the Carmichael Concerts in the Park series earlier this summer! Nothing beats warm evenings filled with music, neighbors, and the joy of gathering in our beautiful parks.

The Carmichael Parks Foundation is proud to be an annual supporter of the Park District’s special events, helping make celebrations like the concerts, festivals, and family activities possible year after year. Together, we’re keeping these traditions alive and thriving for the community we love.

Upcoming Events

Founder’s Harvest Festival, Carmichael Park, Oct 11, 10AM-2PM. Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, kids zone, pumpkin patch.

Outdoor screening of "Wonka" at Carmichael Park on Sept 27, 6:30-9:30PM. Enjoy food trucks, crafts, and a magical evening!

Park Highlight

Horse and grassy field with a wooden fence, trees, and houses in the background.

🌿 Park Highlight: Capra Park

Located on Kenneth Avenue, Capra Park began as Mary and Claude Capra’s horse ranch in the 1940s and was later sold to the Carmichael Recreation and Park District with the vision that it would serve the community.

Today, the property remains leased and home to horses until funding is secured to install facilities that will make it useable as a public park. Future plans include a small working farm, gardens, and educational programs—bringing the Capras’ dream of recreation and refreshment to life.