Rancho Murieta Youth Enrichment Advocacy

By Andrew Greene (River Valley Times)- Rancho Murieta Youth Enrichment Advocacy (RMYEA) launched its fundraising campaign with a car wash at the Rancho Murieta Association (RMA) parking lot on August 3 from 8 am to 1 pm, raising more than $4,000 toward its vision of a skate park.  RMYEA states in a publicity brochure that its mission is “to bring adults and youth together to plan and implement projects and programs for and on behalf of the community that will enrich the lives of Rancho Murieta youth.”  Mother and RMYEA member Wendy Mazzoni elaborated on this mission saying, “The skate park will increase the value of everyone’s property. RMA has agreed to develop the land around the park by building paths and creating picnic areas for families. Everybody benefits when we increase recreation options and areas.”

Mazzoni added, “This is not just about a skate park. We are hoping that we, the Murietan people, will see that we need to make happen those things that need to happen, whether it’s a skate park or a community pool or whatever.” Mazzoni said that the park, which will be for skateboarders and inline skaters, will be 10,000 square feet and located at the north end of Stonehouse Park. Mazzoni said that YEA started about 18 months ago and has raised $140,000 towards the $350,000 needed for the skate park.

“We’ve had some great support,” Mazzoni continued. “KIWANIS donated $19,000 towards architectural fees. The Optimist Club gave $500 for architectural fees, along with a pledge to donate an additional $500 at each of our fund raising events.”  Mazzoni added, “Chris Bobo from Bobo Construction Inc has volunteered to do the construction at no cost and the Rancho Murieta Rotary Club will help us with our future fund raisers.”

Some 25 volunteers worked the car wash in 90-minute shifts. It was the scene of some selfless work. “We had some large donations from Rancho Murieta residents, including Wilbur Haines and Marcia and Gary Reimers, plus many other family donations,” Mazzoni said. “I was incredibly pleased with how well the skate park idea has been received by the community. No one paid just $5.00 for a car wash. Everyone paid from $20.00 and up.”

Rancho Murieta resident John Holm was happy to help wash cars and golf carts. “I think back on all the people who were there to help me when I grew up, and now I want to give back. Kids really need something,” Holm said.  Fellow-volunteer Marcia Rentschler bubbled with similar sentiments. “The skate park is a good addition to the community. It’s a good place for our kids to go and keep busy. You know what they say about idle hands,” Rentschler said.

RMYEA plans to hold twice-monthly fund raisers. “Dancing Under the Stars,” a cruise to Mexico, a family movie night and a haunted mansion at Halloween are all in the works. About their upcoming needs, Mazzoni said, “We continue to (need) help in three areas: volunteers to work our events, construction materials, and corporate sponsors.”

According to Mazzoni the skate park has already been approved by RMA and has been designed for beginning- and intermediate-level skaters in order to reduce its appeal to outsider skaters. Helmets and pads will be required. For more information on RMYEA, go to www.rmyea.org or contact Wendy Mazzoni at 354-1076.