Foundation brings fundraising efforts to TD park improvements

Nonprofit puts sites on the creation of a dog park and upgrades at City Park and Klindt’s Cove

Cody Cornett of the newly formed Parks of The Dalles foundation said the nonprofits first goal is raising money to resurface the tennis courts at Sorosis Park.

By Aaron Girdham 

The Dalles, Ore., June 24, 2026 — People’s fondest hometown memories are of parks. Picnics, play days, quiet mornings, hot afternoons, and fourth of July. 

Cody Cornett’s trip to his hometown inspired him to get behind parks in The Dalles

Cody Cornett and the newly formed The Dalles Park Foundation wants to ensure those memories continue. 

“The Dalles has more park space than any other community in the Gorge,” said Cornett. “This is our treasure, and it is and should be our pride that we should have these absolutely outstanding parks full of facilities, full of people using them. But it could be more and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be more.”

The Park foundation is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to raise public funds for parks, recreational programs, and open spaces for the community of The Dalles. On the current board is Cody Cornett, Meagan Cornett, Jeff Nichols, Linda McDonald, and Rebecca Thistlewaite.

The first project the foundation is raising money for is the resurfacing of the tennis courts of Sorosis Park. The current goal is $5,000, and the fundraising campaign will end July 11th. The court resurfacing is scheduled for July 12th.

The Park foundation has also already received an anonymous donation of $20,000 for the construction of a swing set at Sorosis Park. The Park foundation was then able to receive a grant to double that amount. The swings will be placed after the reconstruction of the tennis courts.

Cornett said that they have master plans for the construction of a dog park and a large park on the West side of The Dalles. They have stated they are wanting to update both the City Park and Klindt’s Cove in the Port of The Dalles.

“We are open to donations for a specific project, rather than a general fund,” Cornett said. “We can hold donations indefinitely until a certain project is underway.”

Cornett’s father, Kevin, on right, with Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy while receiving the city’s Good Neighbor Award in 2023

“The Park Foundation is necessary because we pay for the park system out of our property taxes which funds ongoing maintenance, and that keeps things stationary; System Development Charges creates money for capitol improvements in park spaces, but there are limitations to that, and at some point we will need more money put into our parks.”

Cornett was inspired to start this foundation when he visited his hometown of Valparaiso, Ind. and saw his father’s efforts in the local Park Foundation. 

He was impressed to see that the foundation was able to raise an average of $500,00 to $800,000 per year. 

“That was the beginning of our foundation’s partnership with this community”, Cornett said. 

About Park Foundation of The Dalles

The Park Foundation of The Dalles serves a simple purpose: To raise funds for the parks, recreational programs, and open spaces in The Dalles and surrounding areas. The Foundation began with the recognition of our local agencies' need for additional funding combined with the knowledge and collective desire of getting more resources into our shared spaces. We are a utility of the community for the betterment of our outdoor spaces and public health and enjoyment. It is our primary goal to work closely with our local agencies such as the Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation District, Wasco County, and The City of The Dalles to align our fundraising efforts with their objectives and capacity. Within our UGB The Dalles has the most park land and open space of any community in the Gorge. It is our treasure and one of our greatest resources and we have created a structured and effective financial pathway for the public to give directly to enhancing those spaces for all to enjoy. The Park Foundation of The Dalles functions as a pass-through funding organization so 100% of your donation goes to the local agencies we support.