Aug 31, 2018   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Peoria GreenSplash Ribbon Cutting and Celebration Scheduled

A ribbon cutting and community celebration for Peoria GreenSplash is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the northwest corner of the intersection of S. Griswold Street and S. Friedan Street in Peoria. This project was funded through a $150,000 Building Better Communities grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Mayor Ardis stated, “Peoria GreenSplash is going to be a destination not only for recreation, but also education. This splash pad is truly unique to Peoria and the warm weather will allow many people to enjoy this new attraction.” He continued, “We are also appreciative of the community volunteers and organizations who donated their time to this project.”

Community parks like Peoria GreenSplash are vital for connecting children to nature. Nature-based play areas foster an appreciation for environmental stewardship, while providing opportunities for physical activity. In Peoria, community members will benefit by playing in clean water and learning about native plants, the natural water cycle, and environmental stewardship. Peoria GreenSplash will have educational signage on the benefits of native plants and clean water.

Roger Goodson, Senior Manager of Field Operations and Production for Illinois American Water agreed. He said, “The collaborative spirit on this project was vital to its success; our team is proud to have played a role. Every child deserves an opportunity to play and have fun as well as learn about the role water plays in their community. GreenSplash helps fulfill that need in Peoria.”

The splash park is the result of a collaboration between the AWCF, NRPA, the City of Peoria, Illinois American Water and the Peoria Housing Authority. The splash park was constructed on land donated by the Peoria Housing Authority, at their Harrison Home Redevelopment site.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity for Peoria residents to enjoy, learn about and appreciate the environment in a fun and engaging way,” said Laura Martin, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Peoria GreenSplash will benefit the children and families in this community while encouraging the continued viability and protection of our nation's water resources."

The Building Better Communities is a signature program of AWCF and administered by NRPA. The program focuses 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 help provide this unique play space to the residents of Peoria,” said Lori Robertson, NRPA director of conservation. “This enhanced space will increase opportunities for physical activity and connect children and families to the wonders of nature through their local park.”

Speakers at the ribbon cutting will include: Mayor Jim Ardis, First District Councilmember Denise Moore, AWCF President Laura Martin, Illinois American Water Senior Field Manager of Operations and Production Roger Goodson, and Director Peoria Housing Authority Jackie Newman. Immediately following the ribbon cutting, guests are welcome to take part in a neighborhood party with music by DJ Brian Culshaw and food from Moja Southern Kitchen. The Illinois American Water mobile education center will also be on hand to teach guests about the benefits of clean water.

The Peoria project is one of three communities awarded a Building Better Communities grant in 2017. It is the first educational splash pad of this type in Peoria.

The rain date for the event is Thursday, September 13 at 3:30 p.m.

For information about the Building Better Communities program, visit https://amwater.com/corp/customers-and-communities/american-water-charitable-foundation/signature-program.

The American Water Charitable Foundation was established in 2010 with a founding contribution from American Water, the American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. The Foundation helps support American Water employee-identified nonprofit endeavors. More information about the Foundation can be found at amwater.com

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

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, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

The Peoria Housing Authority (PHA) is committed to providing, affordable housing opportunities for all of the citizens living in an area generally known as “Central Illinois.” In addition, through the development of strong partnerships with current residents and appropriate community agencies, the PHA seeks to develop new programs (housing, social and educational) to enhance the quality of life for its resident, thereby offering numerous opportunities for self-sufficiency. Currently the PHA serves over 6,300 family members throughout our Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program. The PHA has begun to expand its housing portfolio with modern mixed income developments and continues to search for ways to expand affordable housing throughout our service area. Learn more at www.peoriahousing.org.