One of three parks projects has the chance to receive $20,000!
Through an initiative called “Parks Build Community,” one of three local parks and recreation projects will receive a $20,000 grant – and Seattleites get to choose which one.
This Earth Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney | ABC Television Group and ESPN, are collaborating to invigorate park and recreation programs and facilities across the U.S. including projects right here in Seattle through Parks Build Community — an initiative that gives back to the places that shape so much of our lives.
Seattle Parks and Recreation aims to make Seattle a better place to live by providing places and programs that encourage people to be active and healthy. That’s why from April 1 to April 30 we’re asking residents to vote on which project they’d like to see receive $20,000 in grant funding.
“Thank you to the National Recreation and Park Association and the Walt Disney Company for this wonderful opportunity, and for supporting park and recreation projects that encourage Seattleites to explore open spaces and to better connect with their communities in vibrant and healthy ways,” said Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre.
The project choices are:
• Good Food Program: This project would serve vulnerable communities by building an intergenerational team of local leaders focused on improving local food production and community health through a 12-week training program.
• Carkeek Park Viewlands Trails Restoration: Carkeek Park is home to one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in Seattle. The trail that links the Viewlands Elementary School and the Salmon Imprint Pond is in severe decline. This project would help connect kids and nature by installing a new trail to allow better access to the salmon-bearing creek.
• Climb, Hike, and Restore at Camp Long: This project would improve access to outdoor recreation to underserved youth in South Seattle through opportunities to participate in rock climbing, hiking, and creating service-learning projects at Camp Long that connect elementary students to their local, natural world.
By visiting NRPA.org/BeInspired, you can vote daily for your favorite project. At the end of April, the park project with the most votes will receive grant funding.
“Parks have immense power. They help families live healthier lives, connect kids to nature, increase kids’ access to sports and so much more,” said Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NRPA. “Parks Build Community is a great opportunity to share the power of parks during Earth Month while bringing essential funds to critical local park projects.”
Last year, the public voted for the Rainier Vista Youth Environmental Leadership Institute to win $20,000. With that funding, the community developed a six-week youth employment program involving work in urban agriculture, trail maintenance and forest ecology, and leadership building.
This Earth Month, show how parks build your community and vote to improve local parks.
For more information and to vote, visit NRPA.org/BeInspired.
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 more than 47,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy 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.