About

Grandparents Club History:

In 2004, a few Oakmont grandparents thought having a children’s playground in Oakmont would be fun for when their grandchildren visited. When approaching the Board of Directors with the idea, several folks in the community were opposed, so it was dropped. Instead, however, a Grandparents Club was formed and approved by the OVA Board and Voila! Grandparents Club was born! That was in 2005, thanks to George McKinney, Carol Cotton, Van Nason, Evelyn George, and others. Earla Snow was appointed its first chairperson.

The initial Easter Egg Hunt, always held on the Saturday before Easter, was in 2005, with egg hunts for three age groups, a bounce house, face painter, balloon animals, ice cream, and a toy for each of the 52 participants. By 2025, the now-called Easter Eggstravaganza has grown to 150 happy children from 75 families. There are still three egg hunts, a face painter, and balloon animals, but two bounce houses, Beanie Babies for each child, and prizes that children may select from the three prize tables. It’s amazing how much fun these children, along with their parents and grandparents, can have in 90 minutes! Easter Eggstravaganza in 2026 will be held on Saturday, April 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

GRANDPARENTS WEEK is held the last full week in July for six days, beginning with a Welcome Barbeque (sponsored by Oakmont Gardens) and a Welcome Carnival at the Berger Plaza on Sunday. In addition, there is a Family Picnic, some 75 classes, including sports, crafts, dance, music, a three-day golf clinic, toddler times, and, of course, the ever-popular Wii Bowling. Another favorite is Family Bingo with cash prizes. Back in 2005, the children each received their own fishing rod from Valley of the Moon Rotary (who continues to support Grandparents Club today), and participated in tennis and golf lessons with real trophies for prizes in golf, storytelling for the wee ones, folk dancing, and more. Don’t worry if your grandchildren live far from Santa Rosa, for they can stay with you for the week! We’ve even had grandchildren attending from Virginia, Mexico, and England! So save the dates of July 26-31, 2026!

The Oakmont Grandparents Club has become a hub of inter-generational learning and bonding. The children look forward to renewing friendships made during the previous years. These events not only celebrate the role of grandparents in our lives but also strengthens the sense of community in Oakmont. Despite its growth, the club has stayed true to its roots, and the spirit of the club founders lives on in the club’s commitment to nurturing relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. The Oakmont Grandparents Club is not just a club, it’s a testament to the timeless bond between generations, a beacon of tradition in a rapidly-changing world.