Tue, 2016-06-28 13:20
For Immediate Release
June 28, 2016
Katrina Maksimuk, 805-658-4775
Richard Newsham, 805-658-4706
Aera Donates $30,000 to Ventura’s Kellogg Park
The City of Ventura is excited to announce Aera Energy LLC as a leader in supporting the development of Kellogg Park by donating $30,000 to help build the park. The 2.4-acre Kellogg Park is a high priority project that will serve residents of Ventura's Westside neighborhood, which lacks access to adequate recreational parks and open space, and faces higher-than-average health indicators for obesity, heart disease and diabetes in children and adults.
Aera has been particularly involved in helping Ventura’s Westside neighborhood as an active partner in many other of the community’s projects. Aera, one of California’s largest oil and gas producers, has company headquarters in Bakersfield and most of its production centered in the San Joaquin Valley. On the coast, Aera has oilfield operations in Monterey and Ventura County – and 4,300 acres of their property is located at the top of Ventura Avenue, less than two miles from the proposed park.
“The community has been active and determined to get a new park on the Westside. The residents’ role in advocating for Kellogg Park is inspirational and we are honored to participate as a partner in creating a better future for the Westside,” stated Michele Newell, Public Affairs Specialist for Aera Energy. Newell regularly attends monthly Westside Community Council Meetings.
Aera’s support will directly help fund the central entryway into the park located on Ventura Avenue. Kellogg Park is in the final stages of approval from the City of Ventura and is slated to begin construction in late summer or early fall this year. City Council approved the purchase of the site in 2012; then partnered with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to develop the park. TPL has hired Pacific Coast Land Design, Inc. to create a park design in alignment with the community’s vision.
Funding is still needed to fully build out the park. The Ventura Community Partners Foundation, a non-profit that supports the City of Ventura’s Parks and Recreation projects, is seeking both cash and in-kind donations to complete the park. Benches, picnic tables, and other amenities can be dedicated in honor of a loved one, or sponsored by a local company, to show support and leave a legacy.
For more information about Kellogg Park or to make a donation visit www.cityofventura.net/KelloggPark or contact Katrina Maksimuk at 805/658-4775 or kmaksimuk@cityofventura.net.
This release is available on the City of Ventura website www.cityofventura.net. ###