Live Oak honored national non-profit KaBoom!

The unincorporated community of Live Oak was honored last week by the national non-profit KaBOOM! for excellence in supporting healthy childhood play. Live Oak is the first community in Santa Cruz County to receive the honor that usually goes to larger cities and towns such as San Francisco and Seattle. In its statement, KaBOOM! said, "We chose Live Oak for its outstanding dedication to play. As an unincorporated community, Live Oak boasts a multitude of examples of Best Practices for play: 1. A strategic partnership between Live Oak School District, Boys & Girls Clubs and the County to build a new youth center at Shoreline Middle School. 2. A unique non-profit program, the Mini Mermaid Running Club that offers girls tools to live a healthy lifestyle. 3. Live Oak Resource Center collaborates with the Sheriff’s Activities League and LOSD to offer a FREE sports league (Futsol and Junior Giants,) bringing access to sports to the entire community. 4. Live Oak School District has an active Wellness Program working to support healthy lifestyles for all children. 5. Live Oak is home to world-class surfing beaches, Simpkins Swim Center and beautiful County Parks, both built and planned. Designation by KaBOOM! makes communities and groups within Live Oak eligible for exclusive grants of $10, 20 & 30,000 towards building or refurbishing play and recreation areas. Live Oak Family Resource Center and Chanticleer Park Neighbors, 2 Live Oak non-profits, are working together to help Live Oak groups learn about and apply for these grants. For more information, please contact: chanticleerpark@gmail.com and put "KaBOOM!" in the subject line.