Budget crises, debt ceilings and a swelling deficit are atop the minds of nearly every American. Leaders from every sector of the U.S. economy are scrambling to deal with the effects of the current recession.
Public parks and recreation are also suffering in the current economy, as agencies nationwide continue cutting staff and closing parks. The nation’s persistent economic woes signify more cuts will come.
However, this is not the time for park and recreation leaders – or supporting businesses and organizations – to sit idly by hoping for sufficient funds from state and local governments to allow them to continue operating.
Barbara Tulipane
While corporations are coming to the rescue on the West Coast, as pointed out in a
July 28 post by Good Solutions Group CEO Shari Boyer, the National Park and Recreation Association (
NRPA) has taken the East Coast reins – pooling resources and contributions to revitalize deteriorated parks in underserved communities.
Through its
Parks Build Community initiative launched in 2009,
NRPA worked with the District of Columbia and the non-profit group Washington Parks and People to revive
Marvin Gaye Park in
Washington DC. Once called “Needle Park,” because of the rampant drug trade, Marvin Gaye Park was transformed into an integral part of the community.
Today, a $1.6 million renovation is underway at Atlanta’s
Selena Butler Park, (pictured above and below) near the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Severe damage from tornadoes in 2008 left the park devastated. NRPA, with its grassroots initiative America’s Backyard, has partnered with various organizations and companies to complete the park renovation. Businesses such as PlayCore, Superior International Industries, Converse, Musco Lighting, and others have made major donations, and a robust partnership has been forged with non-profit organizations that include the Health Education & Communication Center of Atlanta (HECCA) the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta Housing Authority and Park Pride.
Parks Build Community is a replicable, scalable model for any community, and the lessons learned can guide and inform other communities that wish to complete similar park restorations.
Selena Butler Park in Atlanta, under renovation
