Cheney Parks and Recreation is currently in a competition to receive a chunk of money to go towards a park in the city. The way they can receive the grant is by the community going onto http://www.meetmeatthepark.org and vote by writing in Cheney daily until April 30. The city that tallies up the most votes will get the $20,000.
“I get emails from the NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) and I stumbled upon this grant,” Kim Best, recreation manager at Cheney Parks and Recreation, said. “When I saw it, I said ‘let’s go for it.’”
The NRPA is offering this grant by teaming up with the Walt Disney Company. According to their website, “The NRPA, in collaboration with Disney, ESPN and ABC, will provide 16 communities with resources to improve local parks through projects that connect kids to nature, inspire kids and families to live healthier lifestyles and increase kids’ access to sports through the Meet Me at the Park initiative.”
If Cheney is awarded the grant, the Parks and Recreation Department already has an idea set in place. They plan on updating Hagelin Park and adding new features.
“We want to put a new playground and offer another picnic area for the community,” Best said.
Another perk to voting is that every time someone votes, they are entered to win a tablet from the NRPA.
Along with the write-in option for the grant, 15 other bigger cities are also up for votes around the country, including Seattle.
Each city has three park options that can be voted for. The option that receives the most votes will receive a grant to help make it happen. For example, in Seattle they have Magnuson Park, Urban Fresh Food Collection and Carkeek Park up for voting.
To vote for Cheney, go to http://www.meetmeatthepark.org and register to vote. After registering, residents can write-in “Cheney, Wash.” and click the submit button at the bottom of the page. The winner will be announced around May 18.
Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.
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