Andrews Park Shade Structure Complete
New canopy funded by VRF capital grants now covers the popular picnic area.
Vacaville Recreation Foundation
Play, swim, and grow together in Vacaville
We expand access to parks, aquatics, youth sports, and community wellness across Solano County — building healthier neighborhoods one program at a time.
38Parks & Sites
12K+Annual Participants
240Youth Teams
4Aquatic Centers
$2.1MGrants Awarded
Our Mission
Recreation that reaches every neighborhood
The Vacaville Recreation Foundation champions inclusive parks programming, aquatics safety, and youth athletics so every resident — from toddlers to seniors — can thrive outdoors.
Through partnerships with the City of Vacaville, local schools, and civic clubs, we fund capital improvements, scholarships, and adaptive sports that keep our community moving year-round.
Foundation Pillars
Four commitments guiding our work
Parks Access
Preserve open space, trails, and playgrounds so families can connect with nature close to home.
Aquatics Safety
Fund lifeguard training, pool upgrades, and learn-to-swim scholarships across Vacaville.
Youth Sports
Subsidize league fees, equipment, and coaching for basketball, soccer, baseball, and more.
Community Wellness
Support fitness classes, senior programs, and mental-health-through-movement initiatives.
About the Foundation
Rooted in Vacaville since 1987
Born from a coalition of parents, coaches, and park advocates, VRF has grown into the region's leading nonprofit for recreation philanthropy.
We operate independently while aligning closely with municipal recreation departments, ensuring every dollar supports facilities and programs residents use daily — from Andrews Park to the Ulatis Community Center.
Our History
Decades of milestones in Solano County
- 1987Foundation incorporated to support Vacaville park maintenance.
- 1998First aquatics endowment established for Graham Aquatic Center.
- 2008Youth sports scholarship fund launches — 500+ awards to date.
- 2019Adaptive recreation pavilion opens with VRF capital support.
- 2024$2.1M in cumulative grants distributed to community partners.
Every child who learns to swim, every team that gets new uniforms, and every senior who finds community in our centers — that is why we exist. Recreation is not a luxury; it is the fabric of a healthy Vacaville.JOHNSON BRITTANY ANN, Executive Director
Strategic Plan
2024–2028 priorities for Vacaville recreation
Expand free and reduced-fee programming in underserved neighborhoods, targeting a 25% increase in participation among Title I school zones.
Modernize irrigation, lighting, and accessibility at three priority park sites while reducing water consumption through smart turf management.
Launch bilingual outreach, adaptive sports expansion, and transportation stipends so mobility barriers never exclude families from recreation.
Grant Programs
Funding that fuels local recreation
Community Mini-Grants
Up to $5,000 for neighborhood-led park events and clean-up days.
Capital Improvement Fund
Matching grants for shade structures, court resurfacing, and playground safety upgrades.
Youth Scholarship Pool
Fee assistance for league registration, camps, and travel teams across Vacaville.
Parks & Open Space
Vacaville's green backbone
From lagoon trails to neighborhood tot lots, we steward the places where Vacaville gathers, exercises, and celebrates.
VRF supports tree planting, trail restoration, and volunteer stewardship days at Andrews Park, Lagoon Valley, and dozens of neighborhood sites.
Aquatics
Safe water for every age
Our aquatics initiatives fund lifeguard certification, adaptive swim lessons, and pool equipment at Graham and Ulatis aquatic complexes.
Last season alone, 1,800 youth completed learn-to-swim courses with foundation-supported instructors and safety gear.
Youth Sports
Leagues that build character and community
Soccer & Futsal
Spring and fall leagues with equipment grants for low-income families.
Basketball
Indoor and outdoor court programs at community centers citywide.
Baseball & Softball
Field maintenance funds and umpire training for Vacaville Little League partners.
Adaptive Recreation
Inclusive play for all abilities
VRF invests in sensory-friendly park hours, wheelchair-accessible play structures, and unified sports leagues pairing athletes with and without disabilities.
Our adaptive pavilion hosts weekly programming designed with occupational therapists and Special Olympics Solano partners.
Community Centers
Hubs for learning, fitness, and connection
Ulatis, Three Oaks, and McBride centers offer classes, after-school care, and senior socials — all strengthened by foundation operating grants.
Arts & Events
Culture under the Vacaville sky
Concerts in the Park
Summer music series at Andrews Park amphitheater.
Art in the Park
Youth mural projects and public sculpture installations.
Holiday Festivals
Seasonal celebrations bringing neighbors together downtown.
Wellness Programs
Movement for body and mind
Tai chi in the park, teen yoga, and senior fitness circuits — VRF wellness grants keep classes affordable and instructors certified.
Volunteers
Hands that shape our parks
Over 400 volunteers logged 6,200 hours last year — planting trees, coaching teams, and mentoring youth at recreation centers.
Volunteer TodayPartners
Collaborators across Vacaville
City of Vacaville Parks & Recreation, Vacaville Unified School District, Solano County Public Health, Special Olympics Solano, local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, and regional healthcare providers form our coalition for healthier communities.
Impact Metrics
Measuring what matters
94%Program Satisfaction
68%Fee Assistance Rate
15New ADA Features
820Volunteer Coaches
Annual Report
2025 Year in Review
Download our latest report detailing grant distributions, participant demographics, and capital project completions across Vacaville recreation assets.
View ReportCommunity Stories
Voices from the field
"VRF paid my son's league fees when we couldn't. Now he's team captain and mentoring younger players." — Maria G., Vacaville parent
"Swim lessons through the foundation gave our twins confidence in the water — and peace of mind for us." — The Chen Family
"Coaching T-ball through VRF connected me with neighbors I never would have met." — Coach Derek R.
Sponsors
Thank you to our champions
Corporate sponsors, local businesses, and civic organizations underwrite fields, pools, and scholarships. Join Vacaville's leading brands in investing in community recreation.
Governance
Accountable leadership
Our board of directors brings expertise in parks management, nonprofit finance, aquatics, and youth development — meeting quarterly with full public minutes.
Executive leadership: JOHNSON BRITTANY ANN, Executive Director.
Policies
Standards that protect our community
Non-Discrimination Policy
VRF programs welcome participants regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request.
Child Safety & Background Checks
All coaches and volunteers undergo background screening and safety training aligned with California recreation standards.
Financial Stewardship
Grants are reviewed by an independent committee with conflict-of-interest disclosures published annually.
Environmental Commitment
Capital projects prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping and energy-efficient facility upgrades.
Transparency
Open books, open parks
Form 990 filings, audited financials, and grant award lists are available to the public. We believe trust is built through visibility.
News
Latest from VRF
Spring Swim Lesson Registration Opens
Scholarship slots available for Vacaville Unified students.
Events
Upcoming on the calendar
14Jun
Parks Stewardship Day
Volunteer tree planting at Lagoon Valley — tools provided.
22Jun
Youth Sports Expo
Try-it sessions for soccer, basketball, and swim at Ulatis Center.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I apply for a youth sports scholarship?
Complete the online form under Resources or contact our office. Awards are processed within two weeks.
Can my organization receive a mini-grant?
Registered nonprofits and school groups serving Vacaville residents are eligible. Proposals are reviewed monthly.
How is VRF funded?
Through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, memorial gifts, and municipal partnerships.
Where do programs take place?
At City of Vacaville parks, aquatic centers, and community facilities listed in our facility guide.
Membership
Support Vacaville recreation
Vacaville, California
Our hometown on the I-80 corridor
Nestled between Sacramento and the Bay Area, Vacaville offers 100+ sunny days ideal for outdoor recreation — and a tight-knit community that shows up for its parks.
Contact
Reach our team
VACAVILLE RECREATION FOUNDATION
40 Eldridge Ave Ste 13 Vacaville, CA, 95688-6824 United States
JOHNSON BRITTANY ANN
+1-8778997852 johnsonbrittanyann@vanmetrefa.us vanmetrefa.us
Facilities
Where programs happen
Graham Aquatic Center
Olympic-size pool, lap lanes, and learn-to-swim programs.
Ulatis Community Center
Gymnasium, fitness studio, and multipurpose rooms.
Andrews Park
Amphitheater, trails, and the city's largest picnic grounds.
Gallery
Life in Vacaville parks
Capital Campaign
Build the future of Vacaville recreation
Our $4.5M campaign funds adaptive play structures, pool modernization, and a new youth sports complex breaking ground in 2027.
Support the Campaign
Newsletter
Stay in the loop
Monthly updates on grants, events, volunteer opportunities, and park news across Vacaville.