New nature-themed play area part of Building Better Communities program
Ashburn, Va. (June 23, 2016) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) and the City of Charleston, W.Va., are proud to announce the opening of a new splash pad at Magic Island Park in Charleston. Part of the Building Better Communities initiative, the new nature-themed play area provides a fun, interactive place for children to connect with nature and learn about the importance of water stewardship and conservation. A first for the City of Charleston, the splash pad will be unveiled during a dedication ceremony on June 24, 2016.
“We are proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation and the City of Charleston to help provide this great park amenity to the residents of Charleston,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. “Not only will the new splash pad provide an opportunity for families to get outdoors, it will bring people together, helping foster a greater sense of community.”
“We are excited to partner with the NRPA and support West Virginia American Water to help children and families develop a greater sense of appreciation for the environment in a fun and engaging way and also to help encourage the continued viability of and appreciation for our nation's water resources through this grant,” said American Water Charitable Foundation President Darlene Williams.
“West Virginia American Water encouraged the American Water Charitable Foundation to award a grant here in West Virginia, because this is our home, and we want to make it a better place to live, work and play,” said Jeff McIntyre, President of West Virginia American Water. “Water is life...but water can also be fun, and we are pleased to be a part of this fun new water feature, which is sure to make a big splash in the community and be enjoyed by the citizens of Charleston, our customers, for years to come.”
“Several years ago, City Manager David Molgaard, Councilwoman Mary Jean Davis and I visited Louisville, saw a splash park by the Ohio River there and started talking about how we might create something like that in Charleston,” Charleston Mayor Danny Jones said. “Thanks to the city’s investment and this grant that completed the funding, I am very pleased that this becomes a reality today for all the people of Charleston, but especially for children in the nearby neighborhoods of the West Side.”
The Building Better Communities program aims to create play spaces that inspire children to connect with nature and the outdoors within public parks. All projects, including the Magic Island Park Splash Pad, are supported with funding from AWCF and implemented through annual grants administered by NRPA.
To learn more about the NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
To learn more about AWCF, visit www.amwater.com
About The National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 50,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, 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 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.
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Media Contact:
Heather Williams
@NRPA_News