Funded projects include parks in Chesterfield County, Virginia, and the city of Gahanna, Ohio
Ashburn, Va. (Mar. 18, 2019) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Niagara Cares, the philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, have awarded $200,000 in grants to connect communities through outdoor play in park and recreation agencies. Through the grants, two cities have received nearly $87,000 each to provide increased access to play and physical activity for kids and families through built environment enhancements.
These projects will directly benefit two communities that are home to Niagara Bottling plants: Chesterfield County, Virginia, and the city of Gahanna, Ohio.
“NRPA is excited to partner with Niagara Cares on this grant opportunity,” said Kellie May, NRPA director of health and wellness. “Increasing access to play and physical activity is important to a community’s overall health and wellness, and we’re proud to help support this effort in these communities.”
“We look forward to partnering with the National Recreation and Park Association again this year to continue to provide safe places for children to play,” said Kristen Venick, director of Niagara Cares. “Our team members are excited for the opportunity to volunteer to help build parks in their local communities.”
In Chesterfield County, Virginia, funds will be used to enhance the remaining natural space at R. Garland Dodd Park and incorporate nature-themed play pieces and structures in areas along a woodland trail, creating a play trail. The city of Gahanna, Ohio, will use funds to add multipurpose, accessible sports courts and enhance walking trails at McCutcheon Road Park.
The projects will run from March through October 2019, with plans for each park to host a kickoff event in the fall to celebrate the completion of their project.
This is the fourth 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 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.
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 has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Ontario, CA, we have production capabilities in 20 plants across 14 states. As a leading manufacturer of private brand bottled water in the country, we work closely with the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages, including water, tea, sports drinks, vitamin waters and sparkling beverages. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.