December 19, 2023 3:10 a.m.

The Ford Family Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved a grant of $500,000 to Riddle Roots toward Phase 1 construction costs for a new activity center in Riddle.

A Riddle Roots Community Projects release said the foundation will consider a future request for Phase 2, assuming community funds and partnerships are in place to support the full project vision.

Board Chair Toby Luther said, “This project represents a truly unprecedented and unique opportunity for Douglas County and shows what’s possible through community support and collaboration”. Luther said, “The Ford Family Foundation is proud to partner in this inspiring project”.

Riddle Activity Center will be an approximately 37,000 square foot childcare, economic and workforce development, recreation and event center where residents can be active, have fun, and access essential spaces, programs, and services.

The release said the RAC will work closely with businesses, agencies and organizations to keep southern Douglas community members safe, active, housed and healthy.

The current goal of Phase 1 of the Riddle Activity Center’s Comprehensive Capital Campaign is to raise $10 million and begin construction in the spring of 2024. If pending requests and in-kind donations come in as expected, an additional $914,000 in donations is needed by April 2024 to reach that goal.

Those who would like to help The Ford Family Foundation, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Community Foundation and many others who are supporting this project, can go to www.riddleroots.org/donate