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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PARKS
The Need: In many communities nationwide where crime rates are highest and the need is greatest, children are
often lacking in a basic human need: a safe, clean place to play outdoors. All too often they have no opportunity
to participate in instructional or competitive after-school programs, and are consistently denied access to mentors
or coaches who care about their well-being and success. Many urban ball fields and parks have deteriorated after
decades of neglect, are overrun with trash, and are frequently used as a market place for criminal activity. Those
growing up in such disinvested neighborhoods often experience high rates of negative and delinquent behavior,
learning disabilities, physical health problems, and feel little hope for the future.
The Solution: To help address these problems, and
provide a positive supportive environment for children, the
Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is working in local communities
across the country to develop and construct syntheticsurface Youth Development Parks. These multi-purpose,
low maintenance facilities serve as outdoor classrooms
designed to provide recreational, educational, and athletic
experiences for kids who desperately need a guiding hand.
These parks will not only help fill a critical void, but help
transform communities where the need is so great.
One of the keys to success is our partnership with existing
organizations within these communities. Partnering
with the likes of Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA’s, Parks &
Recreation, and inner-city schools, gives us standing so that
we are not seen as outsiders coming to solve “someone
else’s problem”— a longstanding challenge for national
organizations in the past. In addition, we have the strength
of the Ripken name to foster trust in these communities.
Upon completion of each park, the Cal Ripken, Sr.
Foundation gifts the field to that community, and to the local
program partner, where thousands of youth will have daily
access, and ownership of their beautiful new park.
Park Heights Field - Baltimore 2013
ripkenfoundation.org | 410.823.0808 | [email protected]
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PARKS
The Cost: The estimated cost of each Youth Development Park, from inception through construction varies widely,
depending upon actual size of the park, site work required, and similar factors. However, for planning purposes
the average park — consisting of moderate site work, and 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of playing surface requires
approximately $1 million in funding. There are, of course, numerous naming opportunities including title sponsorship at
each location.
Current Youth Development Park Project Locations: The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has completed
39 Youth Development Parks with a goal of building 50 by 2015. Currently, we have parks operating in Connecticut,
Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Plus, many more youth parks are under construction or in the
fundraising or design stages. As safe havens to learn, play, and grow, these parks will be symbols of hope in distressed
neighborhoods. But it’s about more than just building ballparks; it’s about building character. These ballparks will serve
as home fields for youth development programs for years to come.
Why Partner With The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation? Led by former Major League Baseball greats, Cal
and Bill Ripken, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is reaching out to children who would otherwise never have access to
this wonderful opportunity. Being a partner in a Youth Development Park gives donors a chance to immediately impact
communities with a program that works. It will also give donors a chance few have — to become affiliated with Cal and
Bill Ripken, and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
Patterson Park - Baltimore 2012