The Friends of Graham Recreation and Parks has received a two-year, $250,000 grant from Impact Alamance to support the development of their new regional Graham Recreation Complex off Jim Minor Road. Established in 2015, Friends of Graham Recreation and Parks is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization created to receive and distribute the gifts of donors or other contributors to deserving projects associated with the City of Graham Recreation and Parks Department. Impact Alamance funding will be used to create a Natural Playground Area and Youth Challenge Course in the new park.
The Natural Playground will include manufactured pieces along with natural boulders, logs and hills to stimulate nature experiences for young visitors. “This youth play area will be surrounded by trees to provide a playing in the woods experience while maintaining a safe environment,” said Melody Wiggins, Director of Graham Recreation and Parks Department. The Fitness Zone will include traditional exercise stations for those of all abilities, as well as a Youth Challenge Course. The challenge course is designed to keep children of all ages active and engaged through unique fitness elements challenging the core muscle groups. Wiggins added, “The Youth Challenge Course will be the first course of its kind built in the triangle or triad area, making the park unique. We are excited to partner with Impact Alamance and our Friends group to bring this state of the art facility to our community.” The new park will serve an estimated 30,600 people that live within 6 miles of the site in the cities of Graham, Mebane, Haw River and Swepsonville. The City of Graham is in beginning stages of park development and has brought together numerous community partners to provide input and public interest in the park plan. The first phase, including the Natural Playground and Youth Challenge course is projected to be completed by the end of summer 2016.
“Building Healthy Environments for children and families is one of our foundation’s priority areas. Impact Alamance is proud to support this project as it will improve access to physical activity in the eastern portion of our county,” says Tracey Grayzer, President of Impact Alamance.
For more information about Impact Alamance, their funding priorities or upcoming grant opportunities please visit www.impactalamance.com.
