Three-Year Partnership Will Expand the Building Better Communities Program in 6 Communities
Ashburn, Va. (June 12, 2019) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Water Charitable Foundation are excited to announce their continued partnership to further the Foundation’s signature grant program, Building Better Communities. Through this program, the organizations will issue $1.5 million in grants to support park projects in select cities across the country during the next three years.
“We are thrilled to continue this unique partnership with the NRPA and provide water-related park improvement projects in communities served by American Water, offering opportunities to learn about, interact and appreciate water, a critical natural resource, in a fun and engaging way,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Through this grant program, we continue to demonstrate American Water’s ongoing commitment to being good stewards of the environment and bettering the communities where our employees and our customers live, work and play.”
The Building Better Communities initiative, now in its sixth year, helps communities enhance or create public park spaces or programs that encourage the community to engage in water and nature-inspired play, connect to the natural world, and focus on environmental education and water-based recreation. The grants will help communities engage children and families in areas surrounding the chosen parks.
“Continuing this partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation increases access to water-focused play spaces,” said Kellie May, NRPA vice president of programs and partnerships. “Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with parks is key to enhancing the quality of life in communities and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Projects selected to receive funding will build or enhance splash pads, nature-based playgrounds, and/or natural play areas. They will connect and educate people on environmental stewardship practices related to water and other natural resources. The program focuses on parks, which are critical to preserving natural resources that provide economic benefits for communities.
Since 2014, the Foundation has awarded 14 NRPA grants to American Water communities in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The 2019 program grantees will be announced by August 31. Both organizations look forward to expanding the Building Better Communities program.
For more information about the Building Better Communities grant program, visit
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the American Water Charitable Foundation
Established in 2010 with a founding contribution from American Water, the American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. The Foundation helps support American Water employee-identified nonprofit endeavors. More information can be found online at amwater.com/corporate-responsibility.
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