April 23, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028)
Public Information Officer
Lowes donates landscape tools for Adopt-a-Playground Program
Fort Wayne, Ind—Mayor Tom Henry joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Steve McDaniel, the Volunteer Center and Lowe’s of Fort Wayne today to thank volunteers for participating in the inaugural Great Park Pick Up and to unveil the Parks & Recreation Department’s new, fully stocked landscape tool trailer.
“It’s great to see our community come together as we work to make a meaningful difference and enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne. We’re fortunate to have a tremendous Parks & Recreation Department that people enjoy and support,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the momentum and investment we’re experiencing throughout our City.”
“It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a large group of citizens volunteer their time for three hours on a Saturday!” said Director Al Moll. “Park staff moves as quickly as we can in the spring, but community involvement makes the job faster and more gratifying. Many thanks to the generous donation of landscape tools from Lowe’s, allowing us to invite more groups to join our Adopt-a-Playground program!”
Lowe’s donated KOBALT brand tools, including shovels, rakes, gloves and wheelbarrows for the new tool trailer. Lowe’s employees also pitched in to help clean up Lakeside Park.
“Lowe’s of Fort Wayne is excited to partner with the Parks & Recreation Department in support of the Great Park Clean Up event and their Adopt-a-Playground program. This is a great opportunity for Lowe’s to give back to our community by helping clean up our parks for everyone to enjoy,” said Aaron Murray, Store Manager, Lowe’s on Lima Road
It was determined that the four parks that needed the most TLC this spring were Lions, Lakeside, McMillen and Shoaff parks, and volunteers were asked to paint pavilions and parking lot lines, mulch playgrounds and pick up debris. Over 150 volunteers registered in advance, but walk-ins were also encouraged and many showed up today to help spruce up their neighborhood park.
Four Adopt-a-Playground groups also participated in their first clean-up of the season. Old National Bank volunteers cleaned Foster Park, the Miami Valley Coin and Relic Hunters Club cleaned McCulloch Park, the Rotaract Club cleaned Memorial Park and Faegre Baker Daniels LLP cleaned Lions Park.
The Adopt-a-Playground program was created to serve as a catalyst in providing an avenue for citizen involvement that will generate community pride through personal interaction and ownership of Fort Wayne's playgrounds. By organizing this volunteer effort to cleanup playgrounds on a regular basis, adults help to provide safe and inviting places for our city's youth. The program also generates a broader awareness to the importance of fun and unstructured play for the health of our children. The adopting organization commits to a three-year period, cleaning up their playground three-times each year. These cleanups need to be scheduled for the early spring through fall. Nineteen playgrounds have been adopted, but with a total of 57, there are many playgrounds still available for large or small groups to adopt. Those interested in adopting a playground may contact Natalie Eggeman at 260-427-6028 for more information.
More info about Lowe’s: As a purpose-driven home improvement company, Lowe’s helps people love where they live by improving our communities and neighborhoods. We align our community giving and volunteer efforts with programs and partnerships that complement our core business. Each year, we support programs that improve K-12 educational systems, help to rebuild and improve our neighborhoods and provide relief to communities in need. We partner with community organizations, such as the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department to make our communities places to be proud of. In 2015, Lowe’s contributed $18.6 million in support of community improvement initiatives across the country. Lowe’s Heroes, working with our partners and community members, volunteered thousands of hours of their time and technical expertise to assist the efforts.
