CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Through the dedication of a Carmichael woman and her family, two bocce courts will soon be open in Carmichael Park. Sideline benches will carry an engraved wish from the late Shirley Pennington Simi: My famiglia (family) and friends – you were the most important part of my life. Enjoy Bocce!

The $165,000 project cost was met mainly though Carmichael Park District funding and a $60,000 contribution from the Carmichael Parks Foundation. But it was a dying wish – and a bequest contained Shirley Pennington Simi’s estate – that first got the ball rolling.

A daughter of Tuscan immigrants, Shirley loved all things Italian. She died at the age of 75 in 2018, having long lobbied for the Mediterranean sport to be among Carmichael Park activities. “Mom was a 4 foot 8 inch, 85-pound powerhouse”, recalls her daughter, Teri O’Sullivan. “She was so proud of her cultural heritage and bocce was part of that.” Due to Shirley’s $5000 legacy, her passion lives after her. Local bocce enthusiasts should be playing ball before Christmas.

Shirley’s daughter and son, Todd Pennington, spearheaded private fundraising to augment their mother’s gift.  A 2019 celebration at Carmichael’s Italian Cultural Center garnered donations with Tuscan food, music and bocce demonstrations by special Olympics athletes.

Court construction began this summer. Slowed slightly by material shortages during the COVID crisis, the new amenity boasts synthetic surfaced lanes that allow all-weather play. Curbing and wide pathways border the courts. Bench seats will allow observer comfort and newly-seeded turf will blend the addition into park landscaping. The facility meets ADA stipulations and is wheelchair accessible. Removal of barriers and a ceremonial “first roll” awaits Sacramento COVID status reaching Orange or Yellow level. “I wish mom could be here for the opening,” says her daughter. “I know she’d be clapping her hands and saying bravo, mia famiglia!”

Many park visitors have voiced support for the project. “People can’t wait for us to take down the fences and let them play,” reports project manager James Perry. “By public enthusiasm, I judge these courts will be a favorite park amenity.”

Although the park Master Plan originally allowed for four courts, funding has so far enabled only two. More will likely follow: “It’s like a field of dreams,” says James Perry. “You build it and people will come. With the community behind us, there’s no limit to what can be achieved in our parks.”

Project sponsors include:

Carmichael Parks Foundation, the Shirley Simi Memorial Fund, Paul Pennington, Teri O’Sullivan, Todd Pennington, Millicent Lalanne and the Italian Cultural Center. Many Pennington and Simi family friends also made donations.

Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Avenue. The new courts are located near the reserve’s North Avenue entrance.  Learn more about CRPD amenities at www.carmichaelpark.com