WHO WE ARE!
The Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation, established in 2012, is a 501(c)3 public charity. The Foundation's mission is to advocate, advance, and develop support for parks, recreational programming, community services, cultural activities, and the arts in Redwood City and surrounding unincorporated areas. The board works closely with the City of Redwood City’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services and provides technical, volunteer and financial support for entertainment and community events which enhance our quality of life.
FOUNDATION GOALS
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Provide support to the Redwood City Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
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Raise community awareness and support for parks, recreation, and the arts
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Leverage and expand available financial resources to enhance and increase parks, recreation and the arts
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Focus on priority projects and high-impact programs that meet community needs
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Partner and collaborate with other organizations to access unique resources to provide more programs for our community
IN MEMORY OF CORINNE CENTENO
Corinne Centeno was the Director of the Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department from 1999 through 2009 at which time she retired. She began her public service career in 1976 at the Fair Oaks Community Center, and advanced to become Manager of that Center serving with great compassion and respect for the people most in need throughout our community, providing shelter, food, clothing, and other basic human services. She was later appointed as the first Assistant to the City Manager where for nearly four years her renowned skills in facilitation, diplomacy, and civic engagement served the community. Corinne’s devotion to creating great places and programs as a means of ensuring a better quality of life for residents brought her back to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department where she served as Superintendent, and then for an extraordinary ten years as Director. Many charitable organizations also benefited from her work as a volunteer or board member.
Corinne called Redwood City home for 45 years. She established deep roots in the community through her many friendships and her public service career. She combined a depth of caring, with her wonderful sense of humor, and brought joy and laughter to all that she did. She was adventurous and enjoyed frequent travels,
Corinne passed away on June 13, 2012, following a brave battle with cancer. Her devotion to ensuring a better quality of life for the people of Redwood City inspired her to make a generous bequest to help launch the Foundation. We remember her with deep affection and gratitude.
