University City: Community grant awardees breathe new life into Clark Park

A message from the University City District:

University City District (UCD) and the Clark Park Partnership, a consortium that oversees park maintenance, events, policies and capital projects, is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Clark Park Community Grant. Two exceptional park-enhancing proposals were selected for a combined award of $3000. The first commercial-grade special needs swing will be installed on the swing set of the Clark Park playground, and thirty of the newest trees in Clark Park will be watered and maintained by the skilled UC Green Corps. Those awarded for their passionate projects were Carrie and Jody Roberts and UC Green, respectively. 

Endorsed and partially funded by the 27th Ward Democratic Committee with installation provided by the Recreation Department, the special needs swing will create new opportunities for children who are not generally afforded the luxury of playing alongside typically-abled children. The UC Green Corps, a group of local youths under the direction of certified arborists and horticulturists, will be responsible for the nourishment of the park’s 30 newest trees, significantly improving the likelihood of their survival. Both projects will be completed by June 30, 2011. 

“The Community Grant program is the latest addition to a unique and incredibly effective, decade-long partnership between the Friends of Clark Park, UCD and the University City community to support and sustain this neighborhood jewel,” add Matt Bergheiser, executive director of UCD. 

The winning proposals were announced on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Party for the Park, the annual fundraising event organized by Friends of Clark Park (FoCP) and UCD, that to date has raised nearly $600,000 for ongoing and necessary Clark Park maintenance and improvements.