Foundation Information and Background

The Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation, Inc. was established in 1981 by a group of concerned citizens to offer assistance to the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department in acquiring additional sources of funding for programs and facilities. The primary purpose of the non-profit, tax-exempt foundation is to acquire properties and accept gifts for use in the City's park system.

Since 1981, the Foundation has received over $1.5 million in gifts and property. Gifts have included everything from supplies for a sewing class to sponsorship of a youth athletic league to the Oven Park property and house. You can help as an individual or group by making donations for specific programs or facilities, or you can let the Foundation decide where your donation can best be used.

The possibilities are endless! Either as an individual, a school or scouting group, or a neighborhood association, everyone can get involved. For more information, contact the PRNA Staff at 850-891-FUNN(3866).

Memorial & Commemorative Tree Program

Memorial and commemorative trees may be donated through the Friends of Our Parks Foundation to be planted in one of the City's parks. The trees are designated with a plaque mounted on a small metal pole. Flowering cherry, redbud, plum, crabapple, fringe trees, live oaks and camellias are popular choices. Suitable for commemorating any special occasion or as a living memorial to a loved one, your gift will also help beautify our parks and facilities for many years to come.

While donors can request specific species and locations, some species are not suitable for all locations, and some parks or certain locations within a park may not be available to accommodate additional trees at this time. Currently, we are not accepting donations at Lake Ella, Cascades, Oven and McCord Parks, but we do have a waiting list for future needs at these locations. For more information, please call 850-891-5340 or email cotparks@talgov.com.

The Jesse Correia Memorial Fund

The Jesse Correia Memorial Fund has allowed children the opportunity to participate in the things that Jesse loved; baseball and gymnastics. In 2014 we kicked off the inaugural Jesse Correia Spring Break Camp. The Fund supported the Spring Break Sports Camp at the Walker-Ford Community Center. A segment of the Sports Camp exposed campers to baseball for the first time. Additionally, guest speakers such as then Commissioner Andrew Gillum and Justice Peggy Quince, came to speak to the group on a variety of topics relatable to life today. The camp was a huge success! Donations made to the Jesse Correia Memorial Fund will go directly to support the above mentioned programs at Community Centers throughout Tallahassee. Donations should be mailed to FOOP, 1201 Myers Park Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301 and noted that the donation is for the Jesse Correia Memorial Fund.

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Scholarship Program

The Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation is pleased to offer a $500 scholarship to a deserving high school senior or college student in recognition of his/her involvement in Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs programs. To be eligible, the applicant must be a senior in high school or already in college, have participated in Tallahassee Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs programs either as a participant, volunteer, or official, and be accepted to or enrolled in a community/junior college or a four-year college/university.

Download the Application