DOWNEY – When residents attend the summer concert series at Furman Park beginning Wednesday, they will find an improved and upgraded park thanks to a local foundation. The Downey Kiwanis Foundation adopted Furman Park due to its central location and heavy use. The foundation donated $230,000 to refurbish the park’s facilities, including a new playground design that incorporates a space theme, an homage to Downey’s aerospace history.

The Downey Kiwanis Foundation was established in 1985 and funds programs and scholarships that benefit Downey youth. Membership into the foundation is open to the public at large; membership in Kiwanis is not a requirement.

The foundation has provided $60,000 in college scholarships to graduates of five high schools, and provides funding to Downey Art Vibe in support of Stay Gallery’s Downey Doodle-icious program.

Past projects of the foundation have included updating the computers at Downey middle schools and high schools; funding a robotics lab at Warren High; purchasing new iPads for Downey High’s math lab; and purchasing iPods and mini iPads for elementary school students.

All DUSD fifth graders also attend a Downey Symphony concert with the foundation picking up the tab.

The foundation recently paid $125,000 to refurbish the YMCA’s swimming pool and third floor workout area.

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Published: June 26, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 11