Our Story
The Western Gateway Park Foundation was established in 2018 by a group of neighbors who recognized a simple truth: Western Gateway Park deserved more than limited local funding could provide. They formed a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit — a legal structure that allows tax-deductible donations to flow directly into the park — to fill that gap.
Since then, the Foundation has worked alongside residents, local organizations, and city partners to raise funds for park improvements, maintenance, and expanded recreational opportunities. Every year, contributions from people who love this park make it possible to keep it thriving for families, neighbors, and visitors of all ages.
What We Stand For
The Foundation's mission is threefold: preserve the park's natural beauty, improve its facilities, and ensure Western Gateway Park remains a welcoming destination for every person who walks through its gates. We fund the projects and maintenance work that keep the park safe, beautiful, and accessible — because a well-kept park belongs to everyone.
SUPPORT THE PARK
Western Gateway Park
Western Gateway Park is the community's gathering place — a landscape of oak-lined paths, open lawns, and a signature pavilion that has hosted generations of celebrations, markets, and quiet afternoons. The park's natural beauty is its defining asset, and the Foundation exists to make sure it stays that way. From the health of its tree canopy to the condition of its walkways and facilities, every feature of this park is something the Foundation works to protect and improve.
Your Donation Is Tax-Deductible
The Western Gateway Park Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. That means every contribution you make — whether a one-time gift or recurring support — is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. No portion of your donation benefits any private individual.
When you donate, you will receive an official gift acknowledgment letter by email that serves as your tax receipt. Please save this letter for your records. If you have questions about your receipt or need documentation for your tax filing, contact us directly and we will assist you.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about how the Foundation works, how donations are used, and how we relate to the park's city management.
Is the Western Gateway Park Foundation the same as the city parks department?
No. The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit — a separate organization from the city or county agency that owns and manages Western Gateway Park. We partner with city park staff, but we operate independently and direct donated funds according to our own mission and board decisions.
How are donations used?
Donations fund park improvements, facility maintenance, landscaping, and community programming that fall outside the scope of the park's limited public budget. The Foundation's board reviews and approves all expenditures to ensure funds are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
What percentage of my donation goes directly to the park?
The Foundation keeps administrative costs low so that the majority of every donation supports park projects directly. Our annual financial summary, available on request, details the breakdown between program expenses and operational costs.
Can I designate my gift to a specific project?
Yes. During the donation process you can indicate a project preference, and the Foundation will do its best to honor that intent. When a designated project is fully funded, gifts are redirected to the area of greatest current need unless you instruct otherwise.
How do I know the Foundation is legitimate?
The Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. Our EIN and annual Form 990 are available on request. We are also listed in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search database, which you can check independently at any time.
