Willamalane and International Paper Announce Multi-Year Partnership
Submitted by Bryan Beban, Willamalane
Media contact: Bryan Beban, Community Engagement, 541-736-4523
Grant to provide funding for key initiatives in aquatics, summer youth programs and scholarships
Details of partnership to be announced at news conference August 28 at Splash! at Lively Park
SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane Park and Recreation District and International Paper announced today that Willamalane was awarded a three year grant to increase water safety for youth as well as greater access for less advantaged children in Springfield by presenting them scholarships for the popular 1PASS program.
The $50,000 grant will be awarded over three years with monies to be spent throughout on lifejackets, storage containers at five area parks to support the Willamalane Summer Playground Program and for 1PASS scholarships for the next three years.
Representatives from International Paper – Springfield Mill, including Communications Specialist Michelle Winetrout, along with Willamalane Superintendent Michael Wargo will be on hand for a special joint news conference at Splash! at Lively Park on Wednesday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m. to detail the gift and its importance for hundreds of area children.
Photo and video opportunities will be available including a giant check presentation, the unveiling of special signage as an acknowledgment of the gift as well as children swimming in the wave pool wearing the International Paper branded lifejackets.
Winetrout is excited that International Paper and Willamalane were able to partner on three specific programs that highlight community needs and the goals and vision of their company values. “The International Paper Mill in Springfield donates to non-profit organizations that have a need in one of our signature causes of education, hunger, health and wellness and disaster relief. This opportunity with Willamalane allows us to aid three of those causes. Our employees were united saying that they felt Willamalane was an organization they felt strongly that they wanted to help”.
Wargo echoes those sentiments. “To have a local company feel the enthusiasm about the mission of Willamalane is exciting. Children will be able to swim safely at our two aquatics facilities, enjoy the Summer Playground Program and take advantage of everything the 1PASS has to offer all due to the generosity of International Paper. We cannot thank them enough.
For more information about the Willamalane/International Paper joint news conference, contact Bryan Beban, Community Engagement Coordinator for Willamalane Park and Recreation District, at 541-736-4523.
About Willamalane: Willamalane Park and Recreation District maintains and operates five recreation facilities and 46 parks and natural areas totaling nearly 1,500 acres. Highlights include 10 waterfront areas, 29 miles of hiking and biking trails, 9 turf and 4 synthetic sports fields and 27 playgrounds. Willamalane offers recreation programs to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the city of Springfield, with its own boundaries. It is governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by a district superintendent. Online information is available at willamalane.org.
