There are 56 city parks in Richmond. Many of them—especially those in the lowest-income neighborhoods—are rarely used, primarily because they are dangerous, dirty and dull. Derelict and neglected, they attract only loiterers, drug-users, and graffiti. In parks like this, parents warn their children—“Don’t you go into that park; it’s not safe, it’s not clean”—and such parks’ hard-packed earth, rubbish, and abandoned needles repel even the most energetic children.

Pogo Park exists to redeem such parks, to work with local residents to reclaim these spaces and return them to the community as attractive, engaging, and transformative places to gather, play, and build community. In 2003, a Bay Area native named Toody Maher moved to Richmond in search of an affordable, culturally diverse community. In January 2007, born of her forward-thinking desire to support her neighborhood, Toody founded Pogo Park with one purpose: to create magical places to play for children and young people everywhere.

She started with Elm Playlot, down the street from her own home. Elm Playlot is a tiny park, less than half an acre. Located only four blocks from a public elementary school that defies the odds by providing a strong academic and educational foundation for 515 very-low income children, Elm Playlot has stood barren and neglected for years.

Within the first 18 months of forming Pogo Park, Toody had consulted experts from around the world to identify best practices in play theory, playground design, and community revitalization; had drawn together a group of longtime residents to form the Elm Playlot Action Committee (EPAC); and had elicited partnership and support from all sectors: the city of Richmond, leading play designers, funders, artists, volunteers, nonprofit providers, and the School of Public Health at UCB, among others. In 2008, Pogo Park earned the “green light” from the city to re-imagine and re-build two of the city’s playlots, starting with Elm Playlot.

2604 Roosevelt Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804-1623
http://www.pogopark.org/

Contact Information:
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(510) 215-5500
Toody Maher