CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - An under-funded force of volunteers spearheaded a campaign that achieved $32 million for cash-strapped Carmichael Recreation and Park District.

Measure G supporters celebrated victory on December 8. Via a nail-biting counting process, a longed-for result was certified 30 days after Carmichael voters returned their ballots. Given that a two-thirds voter majority was required, victory was a squeaker.  The initiative passed with almost 68 percent approval.

“Out of 16,525 voters, 11,168 voted yes,” reports Measure G campaign co-chair Mike Rockenstein. “The message to us was that most people want to see our district’s parks and facilities improved.

“Having spent so little on a grass-roots effort, we were thrilled to succeed. We raised about $13,000 for flyers, mailers, street signs and a campaign consultant. The voters’ decision will provide benefits for our community for years to come.”

Measure G committee members faced an uphill slog. “First, we had to make the community aware our parks and facilities needed upgrades,” says Rockenstein. “Not everyone knew that (within Sacramento area) ours was the only park district unaided by a bond measure.”

The committee also had to convince residents and business people – whose property taxes will increase to fund the measure – that spending on parks would benefit community aesthetics and improved property values.

For months, volunteers canvassed with phone calls, mailers, newspaper and social media. They knocked on doors and addressed any group that would listen. Committee workers Joel Levine and Monica Klepic dogged public events, accompanied by the husky they call Kieke. “She was the perfect ambassador,” notes Monica. “People who would not ordinarily talk to us would talk to our dog. That way we could start conversations.”

The committee’s next task is to form an oversight body to guarantee funds are allocated – as required – specifically for improvements to CRPD’s 13 parks and their facilities. If $32 million seems a huge sum, renovations will eat up every penny. CRPD’s wish-list, notes Rockenstein, would consume twice as much.

“We’ve prioritized projects that are most immediately needed,” he says. “Some have been on our to-do list for more than 12 years.”

Park users will see some Measure G-funded projects taking shape in the next year. “For a start, neighborhood parks will get new and improved playgrounds,” says Rockenstein. Thanks to the work of committed individuals – and Carmichael voters – this can happen at last.”

Measure G campaigners included: Joyce Carroll, Mike Rockenstein, Lynn Jacoby, Mike Blondino, Joel Levine, Monica Klepic – Levine, Rosie Buck, Peter Tateishi, Sharon Ruffner, Jon Isom, James Perry, Alaina Lofthus and Carmichael Parks Foundation supporters.