
Feature Story
October 2018
Grant Awarded to Chattanooga Nature Play Area
By Deborah L. Vence
Grant funding in the amount of $150,000 is being awarded to support a local nature-based play area in Chattanooga, Tenn. The money is being granted by the American Water Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by American Water, and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
“This water-centric park improvement project will give residents of all ages the opportunity to enjoy, learn about and appreciate the environment and especially our critical natural resource, water, in a fun and engaging way,” said Laura Martin, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being good stewards of the environment and bettering the communities where our employees and our customers live, work and play through this grant program.”
East Lake Park in Chattanooga will be revitalized and include new lakefront access with an outdoor classroom to host local schools and groups providing environmental education around water stewardship and to provide a gathering spot for the local community to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty. A nature-based playground also will be constructed to engage children and their families.
The project was chosen based on several criteria, including water components, play value, education value, proximity to Tennessee American Water’s service area, project parameters, use of natural play materials and opportunities for American Water employee volunteer involvement.
The grant is part of the Foundation’s Building Better Communities signature grant program, which is administered by the NRPA. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life in the communities the company serves, and is focused on parks, as they are critical to preserving natural resources that have real economic benefits for communities. Specifically, the initiative concentrates on building or enhancing nature-based playgrounds and play spaces for children, and will connect and educate people on environmental stewardship practices related to water and other natural resources.
“NRPA is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation to increase opportunities for children and families to experience nature and the outdoors,” said Lori Robertson, NRPA director of conservation. “Ensuring people everywhere have the opportunity to engage in physical activity and explore nature is essential to building healthier, stronger communities and creating the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Recent Rec Report Feature Stories
Obesity Continues to Challenge America's Health - October 2018
Grant Program Funds Keep America Beautiful Initiatives - October 2018
Nation's Pediatricians Emphasize Power of Play - October 2018
Step Into Swim Continues to Create New Swimmers - September 2018
Pickleball Benefits Older Adults - September 2018
NSPF Endorses MAHC Adoption - September 2018
Cities Spend More on Public Parks in 2018 - September 2018
Be Ready for Back-to-School Sports - August 2018
NRPA, Pool Safely Partner on Water & Recreation Safety - August 2018
States Make Progress Toward Active Transportation - August 2018
IHRSA Briefing Looks at Club Employees vs. Contractors - August 2018
ACSM & Wellcoaches Expand Offerings for Fitness Pros - July 2018
Grants Help Local Trail Projects - July 2018
Grant to Boost Meals & Nutrition for Kids - July 2018
Trust for Public Land Releases ParkServe Database - July 2018
CPSC Asks for Vigilance to Prevent Child Drowning - July 2018
TPL Earns NEA Grant to Explore Creative Placemaking - June 2018
High Visa Denial Rates Could Affect Pools - June 2018
Make a Splash Campaign Teaches Millions to Swim - June 2018
Communities Can Earn Grants for Dog Park Development - June 2018
National Golf Day Celebrates Green Practices - May 2018
YMCA Recognized for Diversity - May 2018
Americans Support Pollinator Health, And Parks Can Help - May 2018
How to Encourage Play—Everywhere! - April 2018
Partnership, Grants to Boost Mountain Bike Trail Development - April 2018
Parks & Recreation Supports More Than 1.1 Million Jobs - April 2018
Club Pilates Grows With New Training Facility - April 2018
IHRSA Sees Positive Growth for Fitness Pros - April 2018
Denver's Freedom Park Wins Grant for Public Art - March 2018
NSPF, Counsilman-Hunsaker Partner to Create App for Aquatic Facility Managers - March 2018
More Than 330 Million Recreation Visits Recorded in 2017 for National Park System - March 2018
Study Shows Economic Benefits of the Great Outdoors - March 2018
Parks for Inclusion Initiative Aims to Expand Reach to All Americans - February 2018
SHAPE America, NFL & Partners Collaborate on Training for Health & P.E. Educators - February 2018
CPSC Offers $1.1 Million in Pool Safely Grants - February 2018
Bipartisan PHIT Act Could Boost America's Wellness - February 2018
China Plant Shutdowns May Affect Pool Operations & Budgets - January 2018
Arlington County 'Pulls Together' to Remove Invasive Plants - January 2018
Youth Sports Participation Increases for Underserved Kids - January 2018
Study: Physical Activity Boosts Learning Time - January 2018
Preventing Germs in Gyms: What Works? - December 2017
Study: Laws Reduce Recurrent Concussions - December 2017
Grants Awarded for Urban Water & Wildlife Habitat Restoration - December 2017
APSP University Launches New Certification Course - November 2017
New Series Aims to Empower Students With Healthy Habits - November 2017
US Club Soccer Puts Focus on Player Safety - November 2017
New Initiative Aims to Ensure All Have Access to Parks & Rec - November 2017
L.A. Parks Earn Mostly Positive Report Card - October 2017
Health Club Memberships Up, Led by Youth & Older Adults - October 2017
Dallas Park Recognized With ASLA Award - October 2017
Adult Obesity Rates Leveling Off - October 2017
Improving Kids' Wellness—In the Classroom - October 2017