May 27, 2008, FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA, . . . . . David Yeomans, Chairperson of the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District, today announced that the Starr Foundation has agreed to fund MCRPD's proposal for construction completion of the C.V. Starr Community Center and Spath Aquatic Facility for approximately 13 million dollars. This is in addition to their earlier gifts. In 2001-2004, the Starr Foundation along with relatives and associates of C.V. Starr donated gifts totaling $4,000,000 in memory of Cornelius Vanderstarr.

Neil Starr, as he was known then, was born in Fort Bragg in 1892 and graduated from Fort Bragg High in 1909. He began his foray into the business world by opening up an ice cream shop near the corner of Laurel and Franklin Streets in Fort Bragg. He went on to earn a law degree and founded what is now known as the American International Group, one of the largest casualty underwriters in the world. He was a man of impressive vision, intelligence and accomplishment, who invested in the communities in which he resided. Despite his world-wide travels and achievements, Fort Bragg and its residents occupied a special place in his heart.

Starr Foundation representatives have worked closely with the District for the past year. Their onsite observation of the ongoing construction of the building that will house the pools along with their critical fiscal evaluation formed the basis for their decision to help complete this project. The Starr Foundation wants to see this long-awaited project completed so that MCRPD can continue to provide and expand its valuable services to local residents, especially the children and families of our community.

Aquatics Director Tessie Branscomb, and a prime mover of the new pool for over forty years, is thrilled that the dream is finally a reality! "The new pools will provide for expanded swim programs and everyone in our community will have the opportunity to learn to swim, take part in water therapy and exercise programs, or just have fun in the water."

The Friends of MCRPD has spearheaded the fund-raising drive. A generous gift of $1,000,000 from long-time resident Harry Spath ignited the current drive. Friends of MCRPD treasurer Wendy Boise commented: "Our community has been working on the concept of a new facility for many years, through difficult changes in our economic base. That it is finally becoming a reality is a huge part of our future potential. Considering the strides the Hospital District is making in the local health care system and improvements being made to our local schools' infrastructure, it speaks volumes about this community's dedication to promoting economic stability and the well being of future generations. That sort of dedication to community was at the heart of many of Neil Starr's decisions and, I believe, is why the Starr Foundation saw this project as one worthy of their support."

According to a recent independent evaluation of the District: "MCRPD's leadership has taken a long-term strategic view of the role of the District in helping to build the future economic and social health of the community. The Starr/Spath Center is part of that vision. Hundreds of people came together in the early 20th century to build a wonderful recreation center. It has served the community for 5 generations. North Coast residents are once again working together in the spirit of a century ago to build a new Center that will serve for another century. And it is fitting that the new Center's main financial "angel" is a foundation formed by CV Starr. Starr grew up in Fort Bragg when the vision of the first Recreation Center was created. "Without a doubt, the new CV Starr Spath Aquatic Center will be the finest aquatic facility on the North Coast. It will be where the next generations learn how to swim."

Beth Pine, Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District Administrator applauds the community and current and former staff and Board for the tireless and ever faithful effort to keep alive the dream of a new community center for so many years. "Once the Center is completed and being enjoyed by our residents and visitors, we will continue in the tradition of Starr's vision and fiscal responsibility and we will provide superb programs and services to the folks of all ages. Our community has been given an incredible gift, a center that goes far beyond our earliest dreams. Much of the support we received to build this new treasure came because of the tremendous support and level of generosity of local donors and volunteers. Now we will have to continue to work together to preserve our community center and also to insure that we are able to serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay." To find out how you can continue to help support your C.V. Starr Community Center and its role in building a strong and healthy community call (707) 964-9446 or visit the MCRPD web site @ www.mendocoastrec.org.

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