The Board of Supervisors, at its Nov. 15 meeting, voted to approve a resolution accepting a $290,000 donation from Eppie’s Wellness Foundation to support future Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) programming and the Gibson Ranch Sensory Playground Pathway to Play.
Of the $290,000, $140,000 will be placed in the Regional Parks' restricted funds to be used for future TRS program support over the next ten years. These funds will be used for the development of new programs or special funding requests such as scholarships or uniforms for the Sacramento Chargers sports teams.
The remaining $150,000 will be used to complete construction of the Gibson Ranch Sensory Playground Pathway to Play project, which will create a play area specifically designed to be accessible and inclusive for all children, but especially for those who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Pathway to Play area includes various play equipment and is specifically designed for inclusive play, providing access to a range of sensory experiences for children of different abilities. These pieces of equipment are spread out so that they can limit sensory overload.
Sacramento area restaurateur/entrepreneur Eppie G. Johnson was the founder of Eppie’s Great Race, a Sacramento tradition that took place annually along the American River Parkway in collaboration with Sacramento County Parks. During his lifetime, he supported Regional Parks in numerous ways, including promoting the American River Parkway and bringing out park users to train and appreciate the jewel of Sacramento, the American River.
“Eppie had a deep appreciation for the American River Parkway, and he was an avid supporter of Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS), a recreation program offered through the Department, serving those with a variety of disabilities,” said Liz Bellas, Director of Regional Parks. “We will be forever grateful to Eppie and his family, and the tremendous generosity they have shown Regional Parks over the years.”
Eppie founded the event in 1974, holding the first triathlon on July 27, 1974. The race featured a 5.82-mile run, a 12.5-mile bike and a 6.10-mile paddle held along the scenic American River Parkway in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. This event provided an opportunity to race for all ages and abilities. The final race was held in 2018.
The proceeds from the event raised more than $1.5 Million dollars for causes within Sacramento, including over $1 Million specifically for TRS. Eppie's Great Race Foundation was incorporated by Eppie Johnson in 2004, and the Foundation was renamed by the Board of Directors to the Eppie’s Wellness Foundation (EWF) in 2014.
The EWF Board of Directors decided to dissolve the foundation by the end of 2022, and in keeping with Eppie’s historic support of Regional Parks and TRS, it decided to donate a majority of the remaining assets to Regional Parks.