National Park Foundation Bolsters Anacostia Park’s Community-Building Efforts with $861k Grant
WASHINGTON – As part of a three-year effort to revitalize Anacostia Park, the National Park Foundation announced today a $861,000 grant to support the park’s efforts to expand relationships with local businesses and government agencies. The grant will help the park strengthen philanthropic ties and encourage people to enjoy the unique recreational and educational activities in Anacostia Park.
August 31 marks the 100th anniversary of Anacostia Park, and new community liaison Akiima Price is focused on connecting neighbors from D.C. Wards 7 and 8 directly to the park. Price has more than 20 years of experience developing educational programs and coordinating community outreach and partnerships centered on the Anacostia River. In 2017, she was named Anacostia Watershed Society’s Anacostia River Educator of the Year.
“Community liaisons help people rediscover and understand how a park in their own backyard is relevant to their lives,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. “Thanks to generous funding from National Park Foundation partners, Anacostia Park is strengthening relationships with its neighbors, starting with Akiima’s important work.”
The National Park Foundation’s support will also fund a partnership landscape assessment to identify a long-term local philanthropic partner for the park.
The 1,200 acres of park land stretch along the Anacostia River and include a dynamic range of inspirational and learning opportunities.
“The National Park Service envisions Anacostia Park as a cornerstone of community pride. Park neighbors can experience the magic of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, have family reunions at River Terrace Park, bring their kids to the playgrounds and skate for free at the pavilion,” said Tara Morrison, superintendent of Anacostia Park. “The grant from the National Park Foundation will help us serve the neighboring communities, attract volunteers and partner organizations and foster a greater appreciation for this natural green space on the banks of the Anacostia River.”
The $861,000 revitalization project is supported by the National Park Foundation thanks to generous funding from Agua Fund, The Conservation Fund, MARPAT Foundation, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Nimick Forbesway Foundation and Prince Charitable Trusts.
“Prince Charitable Trusts is proud to work with the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service and our partners in the local community to revitalize a great civic space that supports the health and well-being of both current and future residents,” said Carolynn J. Brunette, managing director at Prince Charitable Trusts.
This project demonstrates the impact of the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks.
To learn more about Anacostia Park and its centennial, visit go.nps.gov/AnacostiaPark.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
Celebrating 50 years, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and ENGAGE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.