1983
Mini-Dale (playground equipment), valued at $1,500 was donated to the park on April 25, 1983. It was the first piece of new equipment for Waller Park in over 30 years.
Friends of Waller Park organized a Clean Up Day at the Park on May 14, 1983 and designated the month of May as “Membership Month” and had a membership booth open every Sunday afternoon from 1-3 PM.
On June 11, 1983, the Friends had a Yard Sale fundraiser at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior to raise money for the park.
September 6, 1983, the second annual Day in the Park was held.
On September 13, 1983, Mike Pahos was granted permission by the Board of Supervisors to give the fallen wood from the park to the Friends of Waller Park to in turn sell to the public. The county received a grant to prune and clear trees at Waller.
1984
In February, 1984, the American Heart Association donated a 1.5 mile fitness-trail which was installed by the California Conservation Corps in the Don Potter area.
Also in 1984, the Friends of Waller park co-sponsored the KSNI (Sunny Country Radio) Easter Egg Hunt, the Cal Poly tree study began and they helped the county purchase the wood splitter.
Proposition 18, California Parks and Recreation Facilities Bond Act, was approved by voters on June 5, 1984, and provided $370 million for rehabilitating and establishing parks in the state.
Chevron, U.S.A. donated $1,250 in July, 1984.
Three trees were planted in honor of Arbor Day, March 9, 1984.
A bark beetle infestation prompted the county park commission to request development of a replacement plan since most of the trees are approximately 50 years old.
Grand Jury report found a disparity between North and South county parks and recommended a larger portion of the budget be allocated to the North County.
Friends of Waller Park sponsored the third Day in the Park on September 15, 1984.
They also had a Halloween Fashion Show on October 17, 1984, at Chuck E. Cheese to raise funds.
1985
March 1, 1985, Friends of Waller Park received $75,000 grant from Prop 18 funds to help restore the lake. The County received a $86,999 grant to repair and repave existing roads and parking lots. A separate $25,000 grant to be used to replace existing playground equipment.
Arbor Day tree planting March 2, 1985. Trees were donated by Central Coast Florist Association, Santa Maria Valley Beautiful, Friends of Waller Park and 4-H Groups.
April 6, 1985, Friends helped ca-sponsor another Easter Egg Hunt with KSNI (Sunny Country Radio).
June, 1985, a handicapped playground area was donated by the Friends of Waller Park in memory of Tony Estacio (former ranger in residence.) The playground was specially designed to provide access to handicapped children at a cost of over $20,000.
Fourth Day in the Park held on September 21, 1985.
1986
Apri1, 1986, the county approved the new Waller Park Master Plan and 22 acres of the park were leased to the City of Santa Maria for a new 4-field softball complex.
Fifth Day in the Park held on September 20, 1986. Chevron donated $1,250 in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.
1987
Seventy-five trees donated to the park (cost of $2,400) by the Friends of Waller Park and planted in April, 1987.
Sixth annual Day in the Park was Sunday, August 30, 1987 and included the Tim Watts Memorial Car Show.
The lake restoration began November, 1987.
1988
In 1988 the Friends of Waller Park donated a message center and three bike racks ($2,600), landscaping and irrigation around the newly relocated gazebo ($1 ,450), signs for the new lake ($1,000) and an aluminum boat for the new lake ($318.)
August, 1988, walkie-talkies were donated to Waller Park.
Seventh Annual Day in the Park was held on Sunday, August 28, and included the Tim Watts Memorial Car Show and the Santa Maria Symphony.
July 12, 1988 Friends of Waller Park board voted to name the first memorial grove the “Helen L. Brooks Memorial Grove,” in memory of Helen L. Brooks, longtime board member, who died in July, 1988. The grove of trees will be planted and dedicated at the time of the Lake Dedication, planned for March 12, 1989.
October, 1988, commercial saw for wood cutting project purchased for use by the California Conservation Corps ($565.)
October 23, 1988, Friends of Waller Park participated in “TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA,” a national public awareness campaign to encourage Americans to think and act in appreciation of our Nation’s natural and cultural resources. Hypericum plants were planted around the gazebo area by Friends of Waller Park board members and friends.
1989
December 3, 1989, Friends of Waller Park he1d its first WOOD SALE DAY IN THE PARK. All available wood (3O cords) was sold.
In January 4, 1989, two hundred tree liners were donated to the park and are to be planted in the back of the park by the California Conservation Corps.
January, 1989, Santa Barbara County Park’s Department approved “Memorial Tree Program” for Waller Park, to be coordinated by the Friends of Waller Park. Friends and family members may have a tree planted in Waller park in memory of a loved one. To date 51 trees have been planted.
April 9, 1989, Helen L. Brooks Memorial Grove/Lakeside Picnic Terrace was dedicated and a barbecue was held. Over 80 people attended this dedication ceremony.
June, 1989, nine tables and benches ($2,260) were donated to the park and are located in the Don Potter area.
July, 1989, the Friends of Waller Park receives NAPRO Award (National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials) in the category of “Friends of Parks.”
Eighth Annual Day in the Park held on Sunday, August 27, 1989 and included the Tim Watts Memorial Car Show, The Santa Maria Symphony and Old West Today Show.
First Annual Kids Fishing Day in the Park held on Saturday, October 7, 1989. Over 600 kids participated in this fishing derby in Waller Park. The lake was stocked with 400 pounds of trout. Net income was $523.
1990
In August, 1990, two regulation size volleyball courts were donated to Waller Park. Nets and poles donated by the Simas Volleyball Club.
Ninth Annual Day in the Park was held on Sunday, August 26, 1990 and included the Tim Watts Memorial Car Show and The Santa Maria Symphony.
In 1990 Elks Lodge donated $5,000 for new playground to be located in the Don Potter Area.
Wood sale held on November 3, 1990. Over $3,000 in wood was sold.