Grant awards will support green infrastructure projects in four U.S. cities
Ashburn, VA (August 8, 2016) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and American Planning Association (APA) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2016 Great Urban Parks Campaign grant. Park Pride, the Parks and People Foundation, Environmental Learning for Kids and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy were awarded grants totaling $1.75 million in support of green infrastructure projects in Atlanta, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Denver.
Green infrastructure in urban parks is an efficient way to reduce flooding, improve water quality, improve wildlife habitat, and increase biodiversity, all while providing opportunities for access to nature and outdoor recreation in underserved communities. The grant awards issued to Park Pride and Environmental Learning for Kids will be used to develop new public parks in Atlanta and Denver, and the grant awards issued to the Parks and People Foundation and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will be used to revitalize existing parks in Baltimore and Pittsburgh. All four projects will include significant green infrastructure elements.
“Green infrastructure is essential to social and environmental change, especially in underserved areas where water quality is a major concern,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. “That’s why we are proud to award the Great Urban Parks Campaign grant, which will help showcase the social, environmental and economic benefits of green infrastructure in America’s urban parks and beyond.”
“Parks play an important role in creating communities of lasting value,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, APA President. “Incorporating green infrastructure into new or existing parks will enhance each community, making them more sustainable, equitable and resilient for current and future generations."
A joint initiative of NRPA and APA, the Great Urban Parks Campaign aims to improve environmental and social outcomes in underserved communities through green infrastructure projects in local parks. Additionally, the Campaign will result in the development of training resources for park, planning and green infrastructure professionals to improve equity through green infrastructure.
Funding for the Great Urban Parks Campaign grant was provided by The JPB Foundation.
For more information about the Great Urban Parks Campaign, visit www.nrpa.org/greeninfrastructure.
To learn more about the benefits of green infrastructure, watch this video.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.orgg.
To learn more about APA, visit www.planning.org.
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 more than 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 Planning Association
The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning — physical, economic and social — so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. For more information, visit www.planning.org.
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Media Contacts:
Heather Williams
National Recreation and Park Association
@NRPA_News
Roberta Rewers
American Planning Association
312.786.6395
rrewers@planning.org