What could a North Olympic Peninsula park do with an extra $100,000 in recreational-grant funding?
Twenty-two parks in Clallam and Jefferson counties are competing for a grand prize against thousands of parks across the U.S., and need local votes to earn a top spot.
The Coca-Cola Co. launched “America Is Your Park” contest last Wednesday, a national grant program driven by online voting to benefit parks.
The contest includes 11 Port Angeles area parks, five Sequim-Carlsborg-area parks, two Chimacum-area parks, one in Forks, one on Marrowstone Island, plus Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park.
Voters can add more parks to a list on the website www.livepositively.com/parks if their favorite park isn’t already listed.
“America’s Favorite Park” will win a $100,000 recreation grant from Coca-Cola. Second- and third-place parks will receive $50,000 and $25,000 grants.
One park will be chosen at random from the remaining top 25 spots on the leader board to win a $15,000 grant.
People can vote for their favorite park by visiting the website through July 15.
“Parks are the anchors of our communities, but budget cuts have left them with little funds for restoration,” said Celeste Bottorff, vice president, Living Well, Coca-Cola North America.
“So whether it’s an evening walk or a day of family fun, get out and play in the park — and vote to help your favorite win,” Bottorff said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.