Del Mar CA— For years, one of Del Mar’s best-kept secrets – the Friends of the Powerhouse – has been quietly making a monumental impact on the beach-area amenities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors, and that add revenue and pride to the City of Del Mar.

Now, with the launching of its new website at http://friendsofthepowerhouse.org/, this nonprofit reveals the many efforts made to preserve iconic structures, create and renovate facilities, and ensure the Del Mar beach and park areas can be accessed and enjoyed by all. It also offers ways for people to support the organization that enhances Del Mar’s exceptional quality of life.
The website delves into the rich history of the original historic powerhouse, highlights the decades-long commitment of founders such as Barbara Harper (currently Vice President), and showcases the numerous ways in which it supports and promotes preservation, restoration and recreation. The results of its efforts can be seen in the widely used Powerhouse Park, Beach Safety/Community Center and surrounding facilities, and in community-friendly Lifeguard programs, including sand wheelchairs and the popular New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge.
Board President Maile D’Arcy hopes people visit the website, then visit the facilities supported by the Friends. She says, “We are pleased to have contributed to our town’s valuable, inclusive community beach asset. To ensure that we can continue our efforts, we invite people to ‘make their mark’ by purchasing a personalized plank that will be installed in perpetuity on the boardwalk leading to the Beach Safety Center. The planks make an ideal holiday gift!”
The $1,000 planks can be purchased and customized on the website, which also lists other naming opportunities; from $250 bricks to $10,000 major facility features. Contributions are tax-deductible. Proceeds benefit the Friends’ multifaceted programs.
In addition to individual donations, corporate support is welcomed and appreciated. This month, valued ongoing supporter Jake’s Del Mar (www.jakesdelmar.com) restaurant donated $3,000 to the Friends from its 33^rd Annual Beach Fun Run held on November 7, 2015.

D’Arcy thanks Jake’s and invites people to explore the Friends of the Powerhouse’s new website. She believes, “Even longtime locals will be amazed to discover the many things our group has been doing ‘under the radar.’ When you attend an event at the Community Center, jump in the water at the beach protected by our fine Lifeguards, or just stroll along the boardwalk, you are partaking of a Friends of the Powerhouse-provided benefit. We hope everyone takes time to enjoy these wonderful amenities. Meet you at the Powerhouse!”
The Friends of the Powerhouse (FOP) http://friendsofthepowerhouse.org/ is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2001 by dedicated Del Mar residents sharing a passion for their community. The FOP’s inception dates back to the 1980s with efforts to support the City’s construction of Powerhouse Park and Community Center. With a mission to preserve historical and architecturally significant properties, promote social welfare, educate the public and protect the community and its landmarks in the Del Mar beach area, the FOP also supports the City’s Lifeguard Service. It raises money through events, naming opportunities and general donations.