CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Teri O’Sullivan’s heart soared when she tossed the first ball on Carmichael Park’s new bocce courts. “It was amazing to feel my brother and I got this done for our mother,” she says. “I’ve been out there several times since -- and I’ve organized a big gang to play next week. There’s been lots of excitement ever since those construction fences at last came down. I know some Special Olympics bocce players in our area. It’s great they’ve now got a place to practice.”

Two sideline benches are engraved with a fond sentiment from her mom: “My famiglia (family) and friends – you were the most important part of my life. Enjoy Bocce!”  

A daughter of Tuscan immigrants, Shirley Pennington Simi was a Carmichael livewire who died in 2018. She and friends had lobbied long for the Mediterranean sport to be introduced to their local park; her estate contained a $5000 bequest to get the ball rolling. “Mom was a huge fan of anything that reflected her Italian heritage,” explains O’Sullivan. “She loved that bocce was something families did when they got together. It’s a multi-generational game and people with disabilities can play, too.”

Shirley’s dying wish lit a fire under her two kids. “Mom was a 4 foot, 8 inch, 85-pound powerhouse, who never let anything stand in her way,” recalls O’Sullivan. “We wanted her wish fulfilled.” She and brother Todd Pennington (an Orange County construction consultant) spearheaded fundraising to boost the estate bequest.  Shirley’s old friends from Alameda High School were generous supporters. A 2019 party at Carmichael’s Italian Cultural Center employed Tuscan food, wine, music -- and bocce demonstrations – to coax even more donations. Costs were further funded by Carmichael Park District and the Carmichael Parks Foundation.

The $165,000 project broke ground last summer. COVID-related delays made for slow progress and though the pandemic ruled out an opening celebration, a steady stream of enthusiasts has since judged the synthetic-surfaced lanes perfetto. “Everything’s great quality,” approves benefactor O’Sullivan. “Park staffers are out there every morning blowing away leaves and twigs. I wish mom could be here to see this, I know she’d have clapped her hands and said bravo, mia famiglia!”

Park planning allows for four courts. Though funding has so far enabled only two, more will likely follow. O’Sullivan also envisages picnic tables so families can round off meals with bocce -- just as they do in Italy. “Spring is just around the corner,” she says. “A game of bocce gets you out in the fresh air and you can still observe social distancing.”

Though the sport is contested seriously at Special Olympics level, she notes most casual players indulge for camaraderie. “You can learn the rules in 10 minutes and be proficient in ten more, says O’Sullivan. “It’s a fabulous way to get outside, enjoy your friends and have a blast.”

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 bocce courts are near the reserve’s North Avenue entrance.  Other than all-weather lanes, no equipment is provided; players must bring their own balls. Learn more about CRPD amenities at www.carmichaelpark.com