Del Mar Foundation: 40 Years of Civic Pride

A key part of the Del Mar Foundation’s mission is to promote civic pride and cohesiveness. Our Community Picnic, which returned to Powerhouse Park on Sept. 25 after a two-year Covid-19 pause, was a terrific way to celebrate DMF’s 40th anniversary, along with the civic pride and cohesiveness that makes Del Mar so special.

Over the course of the afternoon, several hundred Del Marians made their way to the event. An impressive lineup of pop-up tents showcased 11 Del Mar nonprofits, while children climbed into the Lifeguard’s rescue boat and donned Junior Lifeguard badges, and also enjoyed face painting, giant bubbles, and games, as well as Library and Lagoon Committee craft activities. Board & Brew generously donated sandwiches, and Viewpoint Brewing hosted a beer garden, donating proceeds to the Foundation. The Donnis Trio played several sets of fantastic music. And the weather was Del Mar perfect.

This year marks the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, and it was also 40 years ago that DMF founding director Joel Holliday helped launch the citizens’ campaign that successfully promoted acquisition of the Powerhouse property for a park. Gathering in that park 40 years later and witnessing the vibrancy of DMF and the many volunteer-powered nonprofits and groups that support our community today was truly special.

Thank you to all the DMF volunteers, led by Shelly Skinner and Bob Gans, and to the City of Del Mar, who all worked together to create such a memorable event. And a big thank you to all the civic-minded citizens whose work over the past 40 years made this special day possible.