The Parker Youth & Sports Foundation is dedicated to the support and preservation of parks, sports facilities and athletic programs in the greater Yakima area.
The Parker Youth & Sports Foundation (PYSF) awarded the Sunnyside Police Department a $1,000 grant on March 13, 2023 to purchase outdoor toys and sporting equipment to be used by youth in Sunnyside. The award was presented at the Sunnyside Police Department. The equipment will be used at the various Sunnyside parks where kids go to play Police Chief Robert Layman of the Sunnyside Police Department states, “We have a productive partnership with our community and a professional approach to law enforcement is vital. As the days get longer and weather gets better – more kids are out playing at our parks. We want to encourage this positive behavior.” This grant is for crime prevention, supporting sports and community safety in the city of Sunnyside. Parker Youth & Sports is pleased and proud to award this grant to the Sunnyside Police Department.
Presenting the grant - from left to right:
Nancy Leahy - PYSF, Vice President
Commander Kurt Berry
Police Chief Robert Layman
Commander Johnnie Gusby
Charlotte Layman - PYSF Trustee
Receiving the Grant - Three Sunnyside Police Pictured from left to right:
Commander Kurt Berry
Sunnyside Police Chief Robert Layman
Commander Johnnie Gusby
"High Hopes" is an original creation by award-winning Yakima artist Don Crook. Commissioned by the Foundation to create a scene representing our mission, Don used old photographs of the original Parker Field and his own memories in his depiction of the grandstands, press box and lights while incorporating youth and their dreams to further convey the purpose of the Foundation. An alumnus of Yakima High School and Yakima Junior College, he played football and baseball in the original Parker Field.