[Durham INC] Residents vote on one of three Durham parks to receive $20, 000 grant

Tue Apr 5 14:04:14 EDT 2016

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CITY OF DURHAM
Durham Parks and Recreation
101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701

NEWS ALERT

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For Details, Contact:
Cynthia Booth
Public Affairs Specialist
(919) 560-4355 ext. 27223
(919) 389-4941 (cell)
Cynthia.Booth at durhamnc.gov<mailto:Cynthia.Booth at durhamnc.gov>

Parks and Recreation Department

For Immediate Release: April 5, 2016

VOTE AND "MEET ME AT THE PARK" THIS EARTH MONTH
One of three Durham parks will receive $20,000 through
Parks Build Community Campaign

Durham, NC:  This Earth Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN, to revitalize parks across the U.S. for the second year, including a park right here in Durham. Through Parks Build Community, an initiative that gives back to these places that shape so much of our lives, one of three local parks will receive a $20,000 grant and Durham residents get to choose which one.

Our local parks make Durham a better place to live. Parks are essential to our community's health and well-being as they provide safe places to get active, enjoy nature, preserve the environment and bring people together. That's why from April 1 to April 30 Durham residents will have the opportunity to select one of the three park projects to receive $20,000 in grant funding to make improvements. The projects are:

*         Hillside Park Revitalization - The purpose of the project is to refurbish the existing roller skating rink to give youth a positive activity that is fun and provides a form of exercise. The underutilized outdoor roller skating rink will be turned into a futsal soccer court so youth have the opportunity to participate in this exciting, blossoming sport. The project will strengthen relationships with partners in the community to rekindle a forgotten gem, as found in its glory during the 1920's through the latter part of the 1970's.

*         West Point on the Eno Park Project - The purpose of this project is to enhance the natural play area and add variety to the outdoor experience at West Point. The natural playground will provide elements that are safe and in a controlled area while still providing the feeling of being one with nature. Participants with special needs will enjoy the 400 acres of parkland and river at West Point on the Eno because of the enhanced natural playground area and installation of the accessible boat launch.

*         Wrightwood Park Watercourse - This project will directly connect children to a natural aspect of the park specifically the flow of water across the land. The drainage swale is seen as an obstacle that must be fenced off, avoided or crossed. The treatment of this swale proposes to incorporate the drainage swale into the design of the park. The project will transform something that is seen as a barrier and turn it into a central asset to the park. Children will be able to explore, watch their boats constructed from bark set sail in and discover stream biology.
By visiting www.NRPA.org/BeInspired<http://www.NRPA.org/BeInspired>, park supporters can vote daily for their favorite park project. At the end of April, the park project with the most votes will receive grant funding.

Last year, the public voted for Holt School Road Park to win $20,000. With that funding, the community is now able to enjoy nature-inspired play equipment and improvements to the interpretive nature trail, connecting kids and families with nature in their community. This year, resident votes will help improve another one of Durham's great parks.

"We are so pleased that Durham has yet again been selected to receive the $20,000 grant to renovate one of our parks," said Rhonda B. Parker, director of Durham Parks and Recreation. "We are counting on the community to decide which project will be the best one for Durham and encourage everyone to vote."

"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."

During April a public service announcement titled "Meet Me At The Park" in support of the campaign will be shared with audiences across Disney, including ABC Network, ESPN, ABC affiliate stations, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney, the ABC Watch app and other platforms. The PSA will also be available to view on the voting site at www.NRPA.org/BeInspired<http://www.NRPA.org/BeInspired>.

This Earth Month, show how parks build your community and vote to improve local parks and the places you go to have fun, enjoy nature and get active right here in Durham.

For more information call 919-560-4355 or visit www.DPRPlayMore.org<http://www.DPRPlayMore.org>.

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 50,000 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<http://www.NRPA.org>. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org<http://www.parksandrecreation.org>.

About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to "Play More." Guided by the City's Strategic Plan, we strive to help residents discover, explore and enjoy life through creative and challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical, emotional and social health. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit www.DPRPlayMore.org<http://www.DPRPlayMore.org>, call (919) 560-4355 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DurhamParksandRecreation<http://www.facebook.com/DurhamParksandRecreation>.

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