Nominate McAllen to Win $20K During “Meet Me at the Park”: City with most nominations wins grant for local park through park improvement campaign

by Office of Communications | Apr 04, 2017


13679900_533362863535419_902221719735205912_o
[McAllen, TX]
 – This Earth Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN, to revitalize parks across the U.S. for a third year. The city that receives the most nominations will receive a $20,000 grant to improve a local park.

 

Local parks not only help makeMcAllen a better place to live, but also they help to shape so many lives. Parks are essential to the city’s health and well-being. They provide safe places to be active and enjoy nature—and they help preserve the environment and bring people together.That’s why from April 1 to April 30, McAllen residents will have the opportunity to nominate the city to receive $20,000 in grant funding to make improvements at a local park.

 

By visiting NRPA.org/BeInspired, park supporters can nominate the city. At the end of April, the city with the most nominations will receive the grant funding. New this year, everyone who nominates a city will be entered into a drawing for a tablet outfitted for the outdoors.  Only residents age 18 years of age and older can vote.

 

“The City of McAllen boasts 86 established parks, with three community centers and acres of sports fields, multiple courts, pools, and splash pads, as well as miles of hike and bike trails, among other elements, throughout our beautiful community,” said City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.  “These parks are designed to be enjoyed by all of our residents: to play, exercise, enjoy nature or just socialize.  Parks allow us to enjoy the natural beauty of our environment and our fantastic climate allows our citizens to enjoy our parks all year round.  I encourage everyone to head to the website and vote for McAllen!”

 

“Supporting local parks is essential to the health and vitality of communities everywhere,” said Lori Robertson, NRPA Director of Conservation. “That’s why we are proud to collaborate with The Walt Disney Company to help fund critical park improvement projects in communities in need. We encourage everyone to join us in giving back to the places that shape so much of our lives by voting in this year’s Meet Me at the Park campaign.”

 

During April, a public service announcement (PSA) supporting the Meet Me at the Park campaign will be shared with audiences across Disney, including ABC Television Network, ABC-owned and affiliate stations, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, the ABC app and other digital platforms. The PSA will also be available to view on the voting site at www.nrpa.org/beinspired. Additionally, Radio Disney will support the campaign with an on-air radio spot.

 

This Earth Month, McAllen residents can show what the parks mean to the community by nominating this great city. Celebrate Earth Month by taking a selfie in a favorite City of McAllen park and post to the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Facebook page, AtMcAllenParks, using the hashtags #MeetMeAtThePark, #Parkies and #BeInspired.

 

For more information and to nominate McAllen, visit NRPA.org/BeInspired.

 

The City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department strives to:

·         Improve the quality of life through the provisions of well-balanced, high-quality recreation programs for the residents of McAllen to enjoy during their leisure time;

·         Facilitate wholesome and constructive programs with a measurable value to the community;

·         Provide attractive and well- maintained major parks and recreation facilities in each sector of the city. 

·         These facilities should be within a reasonable distance of every surrounding neighborhood and offer safe opportunities for athletic competition, facility gatherings, and other passive and active recreation activities;

·         Promote environmental conservation, eco and cultural tourism and socially oriented special events.

 

About The National Recreation and Park Association

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 nearly 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. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visitwww.parksandrecreation.org.

 

# # #