Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
LEWISTON — The city has been awarded a $30,000 play space grant from the Walt Disney Company’s Meet Me at the Park program, which will be used for the universally accessible playground at Marcotte Park.
The grant is in support of the National Recreation & Park Association and Disney’s combined goal of providing one million kids and families with greater access to play, said a news release from the city.
The playground is scheduled to be completed by fall.
The city was one of 25 across the country to get a grant under the program.
Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, who has championed the project, said, “This project has been years in the making so on behalf of Lewiston area kids, we are so very thankful for this generous contribution and look forward to opening our playground later this year.
Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier, who has worked with Libby on the project, added, “At this playground, no one needs to watch from the sidelines, as all children–regardless of ability–can play side by side. We are also very proud that Lewiston will be the first city in Maine to have a universally accessible playground.”
As part of the national Meet Me at the Park Program, park and recreation agencies across the country were invited to share their best ideas on increasing access to play spaces for children and families in their communities. Agencies with the most innovative and impactful project ideas were chosen to receive $30,000 grants to build their projects.
“NRPA is proud to collaborate with The Walt Disney Company to help more children and families experience the benefits of play,” said Kellie May, NRPA director of health and wellness. “By increasing access to play spaces, this program will also provide unique activities tailored to the local community that support healthy lifestyles.”
Also receiving grants were Birmingham, Ala.; Pine Bluff, Ark.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Broward County, Fla.; Augusta, Ga.; Des Moines, Iowa; Vinton, Iowa; Highland, Ill.; Marion Park District, Ill.; Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas; Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minnesota; Greensboro, N.C.; Mount Airy, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; Coatesville, Pa.; Central Falls, R.I.; Florence, S.C.; Hidalgo County, Texas; Burlington, Vt.; Bremerton, Wash; Milwaukee, Wisc.; and Greater Huntington, W.Va.
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 more than 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, and to learn more about the Meet Me at the Park Program, visit www.nrpa.org/disney.
