Funded projects include parks in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas and Washington
Ashburn, Va. (Oct. 5, 2020) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) proudly announces grants for four parks to increase access to play and physical activity, as well as support sustainable solutions through park improvements. This work is made possible through support from Niagara Cares, the philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, who is providing $535,000 in funding.
These projects will directly benefit four communities that are home to Niagara Bottling plants: Allentown, Pennsylvania; Mesa, Arizona; Temple, Texas; and Puyallup, Washington.
“Local park and recreation professionals serve a vital role in connecting people to the outdoors and physical activity, while also creating more equitable and sustainable communities. Parks are places where everyone can go to be active, healthy and have fun,” said Kellie May, NRPA vice president of programs and partnerships. “This park improvement grant provides opportunities for children and families to enjoy the outdoors.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association and expand into new communities where our team members live and work,” said Kristen Venick, director of Niagara Cares. “We look forward to continuing to provide a space for children and families to stay active and safely enjoy the outdoors.”
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, $130,000 will be used to enhance Valania Park to support the connection to a more sustainable park that will also support the health of the community. The overall park revitalization will benefit from enhancements of the tree canopy, conversion of paved surfaces to green spaces, rain and pollinator gardens.
In Mesa, Arizona, $130,000 will support Palo Verde Park with new play equipment and ensure increased accessibility creating ramps and installing surfacing, which will support providing healthy space for their local community.
In Temple, Texas, $85,000 will be used to transform Prewitt Neighborhood Play Area to support a nature-based play area with recycled features and native tree plantings. This will improve the sustainability aspects of this park, while also providing the community a new space to enjoy.
In Puyallup, Washington, $85,000 will provide enhancements for Clark’s Creek North Park to provide an outdoor fitness facility to serve all ages and will include cardio and strength training equipment and new surfacing, which will support providing healthy amenities for all their community members.
The projects will run from July 2020 through September 2021, with plans for each park to host a kickoff event in the fall to celebrate the completion of their project.
This is the sixth cycle of grants provided by Niagara Cares.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
Niagara Cares is a philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, committed to supporting local and national community initiatives by engaging stakeholders and investing its resources for disadvantaged children and their families. Niagara Cares initiatives include national strategic partnerships, local community grants, employee engagement, volunteerism and the Andrew D. Peykoff, Sr. Scholarship Program. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.
Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Diamond Bar, CA, Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading beverage manufacturer in the U.S., Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, teas and sports drinks. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.