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.”