The Sunnyside Gardens Community Association is pleased to once again offer a Membership Open Call for 2026.
While an Open Call is not held every year, we are glad to be able to welcome new members through this process again. This year's Open Call is intended to extend access to nearby neighbors who are close enough to regularly use the Park and participate in its care and community life.
For that reason, eligibility is limited to households located within one mile of Sunnyside Gardens Park and outside the Park's designated membership zones. The one-mile boundary reflects a practical walking distance and helps ensure that Open Call members are able to meaningfully participate in volunteer hours and ongoing community stewardship of the Park.
A total of 50 memberships will be awarded through a randomized drawing..
Drawing Process
Beginning June 22nd, 2026, interested individuals who live outside of the Park Zones will complete an online entry form. Contact information will be collected and a randomized number will be issued at a later point. The entry period will last until July 22nd. On the drawing day (TBA) representatives from the Park will conduct the drawing via Zoom, which will be open to all entrants and recorded. The representative will use a computerized randomizer to sort the list of entry numbers. Selected entries will be contacted by email with instructions for formal application and the remaining entries will remain on a waitlist. If any selected entrants decline their invitation to apply for membership, waitlisted individuals will be contacted. We will conduct this process with full transparency and anonymity to ensure 100% fairness and confidence in the process.
If anyone who was selected decides not to join, individuals on the waitlist will be notified of an open slot in the order of the original drawing, commencing after the last selected number that accepted. Those not selected can reapply next Open Call.
No, family and friends of current members are not given priority. The drawing will use anonymity to ensure that the selection process is random.
Please note: if you live in Zone you do not need to apply via the lottery. Zones can be found on our Membership page, just click the link below. Complete your application form today!
No. Once you apply and join, you are a regular member of the Park and will simply renew your membership yearly. You will not need to participate in the drawing again to retain your membership.
At this time Park membership is limited to residents in a specified zone near the Park, as well as those selected during this process. Non-members are allowed to visit the Park as guests of members, or to attend Park events that are open to the public. Tennis memberships (which do not include full Park access) are available to people who live both in and outside of the Park’s zone.
There will be 50 new out-of-zone memberships available for 2025. The number of memberships available will vary from year to year, as it is based on in-zone membership levels and Park capacity.
After you are notified of an open slot, you will have 8 days to submit your application and pay initial membership dues.
How much will it cost? The fees are precisely what in-zone applicants and returning members pay. This amount is billed annually with a renewal date of April 1. A one-time initiation fee of $200 is also due at the time of joining. A full list of membership types and dues can be found at the link below.
No. Only one registration per household.
Yes, Class III Memberships include all immediate family members (2 adults and up to 8 children) residing in your home.
Yes, a caregiver may be added to your membership for an additional annual fee.
All memberships (except non-voting seniors) must volunteer, ranging from 6 hours for a single membership to 12 hours for a family membership. These hours can be fulfilled in a wide variety of ways, according to abilities and preferences. Examples include selling refreshments at events, baking for bake sales, cleaning up toys, gardening, or serving on a committee.
No, a tennis membership is not included but can be purchased separately. Find more information below.
The Park features a track, skate ramp, ping pong table, baseball diamond, soccer goals, tennis courts (separate membership), basketball courts, sprinklers, playgrounds and a picnicking area. In addition, many events and organized activities are held at the Park throughout the year.
If you would like to visit, please email office@sunnysidegardenspark.org to request a tour. You can also stop by the Park and ring the doorbell near the entry gate. If a Park employee is available, they can let you in and show you around.
While the Park has a few paid employees, the vast majority of operations are taken care of by members who volunteer. There is a volunteer requirement for most members; this fosters our sense of community and a shared responsibility for our Park. Volunteers serve on the Park board and other committees that serve a variety of purposes from taking care of the Park grounds, organizing sports activities or putting on events for the community.