History

Our history includes many people who had the foresight to begin the development of Central Park by forming a foundation to secure funding for the park as it grew into the beautiful park we have today.

In 1964, a Jaycees committee of Jack Chestnut, Don Salverda and Larry Carlson met with Recreation Director Frank Rog about finding a long range project. They concluded that the ideal project would be Central Park.

At a subsequent Village Council meeting, the Jaycees presented their resolution requesting the Council to obtain the services of a park planner to develop a master park plan. The council responded and in 1964 adopted the proposed park plan drawn up by Nason, Law, Wehrman and Knight.

A committee was formed in 1964 with Mrs. Harold J. Slawik, chairman, Jack Chestnut, vice-chairman and Don Zibell treasurer. In the fall of 1964 the original committee was expanded and incorporated as a tax-deductible Roseville Central Park Foundation, whose sole purpose was to develop the Park through donations and contributions. Giant strides were made and Central Park development began. First, rubble fill, clean fill, black dirt stockpiling, grading, flowers and tree planting began. The first fund drive in 1965 produced $12,000 in cash and pledges. Then picnic tables, playground equipment, ball diamonds, parking lots and more were installed. Central Park was now real!!!

Some highlights of our history include:

1967: Giant strides were made in filling, grading, flower and tree planting, ball diamonds, parking lot and more, creating Central Park.

1967: The first of many Suburban Balls was held at Har Mar Mall with over 750 attendees.

1968-1985: Eighteen more Balls were held at Har Mar as fundraisers.

1986-1987: Round Up in the Park was held to raise funds.

1988-1992: Five more Balls were held, including the Silver Anniversary Ball in 1989.

1994: The final ball, The Crown Jewel Ball, was held at Midland Hills Country Club.  Each Ball raised from $10,000 to $53,000.

1994-2003: Platinum Dinner Parties were held at the Roseville Skating Center.

2004-2011: Themed Platinum Dinners were held including 40^th Anniversary, Country Western, Back to the 50’s, Mexicana, Mardi Gras, Octoberfest, Denim and Diamonds and Viva Las Vegas. These events each raised between $7000- $15,000.

2013: The Partners Club was established. In its first year $2,925 was raised to support Central Park.

As we continue our next 50 years we look to you for continuing support through our Partner’s Club.

Our history would not be complete without acknowledging the role Frank Rog has played in it. Frank was the Park and Rec. Director from 1960 to 1987. He gave 27 years of outstanding service to  the community in establishing and creating an award winning nationally recognized park system. His vision, his enthusiasm and his way of working with people was exceptional.

Acknowledgments:
Excerpts taken from history written by Don Salverda and Don Zibell.   

Below is a selection of posters from some of the fundraising balls and parties over the years.