(April 6, 2017) The Berlin Parks commission is asking for nominations in an online contest that could net it $20,000.
The “Meet Me at the Park” initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will award 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,” according to literature on the official contest website.
Fifteen communities have already been chosen. Online nominations will determine the 16th.
Voting will continue throughout the month. Each vote also counts as an entry to win a tablet “outfitted for the outdoors and exploring your park,” according to the site.
Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, also the staff liaison to the Berlin Parks Commission, said she learned about the contest because the town has a membership to NRPA. This is the first time Berlin has entered the competition.
“Apparently it’s a contest they’ve run for a while, but we’ve only been members for two years,” she said. “We have some projects right now that [the prize money] could go toward. It could be used for planning of development for Berlin Falls.”
Bohlen said money could also be used for items on the town’s Program Open Space priority list, which includes installing prefabricated bathrooms at Stephen Decatur Park, expanding the tot lot at Decatur Park, installing lighting at the basketball courts at Dr. William Henry Park, and establishing John Howard Burbage Park on William Street.
The town is using social media to spread the word and Bohlen said a press release would likely go out this week.
She said the nomination process only takes a seconds.
“We’re hopeful of our chances,” Bohlen said.
To nominate Berlin, visit www.meetmeatthepark.org.
The “Meet Me at the Park” initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will award 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,” according to literature on the official contest website.
Fifteen communities have already been chosen. Online nominations will determine the 16th.
Voting will continue throughout the month. Each vote also counts as an entry to win a tablet “outfitted for the outdoors and exploring your park,” according to the site.
Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen, also the staff liaison to the Berlin Parks Commission, said she learned about the contest because the town has a membership to NRPA. This is the first time Berlin has entered the competition.
“Apparently it’s a contest they’ve run for a while, but we’ve only been members for two years,” she said. “We have some projects right now that [the prize money] could go toward. It could be used for planning of development for Berlin Falls.”
Bohlen said money could also be used for items on the town’s Program Open Space priority list, which includes installing prefabricated bathrooms at Stephen Decatur Park, expanding the tot lot at Decatur Park, installing lighting at the basketball courts at Dr. William Henry Park, and establishing John Howard Burbage Park on William Street.
The town is using social media to spread the word and Bohlen said a press release would likely go out this week.
She said the nomination process only takes a seconds.
“We’re hopeful of our chances,” Bohlen said.
To nominate Berlin, visit www.meetmeatthepark.org.