EPRD to Cut Ribbon for New and Improved Kittredge Park October 21st

For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt
Marketing Manager
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720-880-1020
EPRD to Cut Ribbon for New and Improved Kittredge Park

Oct. 21 Event to Celebrate New Playground and Shelter
EVERGREEN, CO (Oct. 11, 2016) -

Evergreen Park & Recreation District (EPRD) will hold a festive Ribbon Cutting event on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, from 1-2:30 PM to celebrate the completion of vital improvements that have transformed Kittredge Park into a wonderful community space.

The 1.5-acre pocket park, located on Highway 74 and Welch Avenue in Kittredge overlooking Bear Creek, has long been a popular outdoor space for the Kittredge community. It has been the site of Kittredge Civic Association (KCA) events such as Canyon Fest, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Christmas Holiday Hayride, volunteer and clean-up days, and more.

But even as the community has expressed its enthusiasm for the park, the playground and amenities were in need of improvement to meet community demand and current standards. Beginning in 2015 and continuing into 2016, EPRD was excited to turn its attention to the improvement of Kittredge Park using a community build model.

First, a New Playground
In 2015 EPRD worked closely with community members, especially KCA, to select new playground equipment, determine site design and complete the installation process. The improvements include a 3,400-square-foot play area with ADA-compliant playground equipment, landscaping and new park amenities. The improvements were made possible thanks to support from Jefferson County Open Space, a $50,000 grant from the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners and $90,000 from EPRD's capital funding budget.

Next, a Needed Shelter
Until recently, Kittredge Park was the only playground park in the rec district that lacked a shelter. EPRD and KCA worked with the community to raise $3,900 through an online crowdfunding campaign with the National Recreation and Park Association in fall 2015. The remainder of the $19,000 project cost came from EPRD's capital funding budget. Installation was completed in September 2016.

"We are delighted to have been able to transform Kittredge Park into such a wonderful asset for this tight-knit community, which gets so much benefit out of what I like to think of as their outdoor living room," said EPRD Executive Director Ellen O'Connor.

She lauded Park Operations Manager Heart Cameron and his crew for their hard work dismantling the old playground, purchasing new equipment in response to community preferences, and installing it. O'Connor also recognized EPRD Grant and Development Coordinator Liz Cohen for her efforts to procure funding for the projects, Jefferson County Open Space and Board of County Commissioners for their generous grant contribution, and KCA and the many generous donors and supporters who participated in the NRPA crowdfunding campaign.

Ribbon Cutting Parking
People who wish to attend the Ribbon Cutting Celebration are invited to park at Kittredge Community Bible Church, 26349 CO-74, Kittredge, CO 80457, which is located across the street from the park.
About Evergreen Park & Recreation District
Evergreen Park and Recreation District (EPRD) was formed in 1969 to serve the park and recreation needs of the communities of Evergreen, Bergen Park, Indian Hills, Kittredge and Marshdale. The citizens of the EPRD area place high value in their parks, recreation facilities and programs as an enhancement to the community's quality of life. This commitment is embodied in the District's strong parks and recreation system, with its high-quality facilities such as Buchanan Park Recreation Center, Wulf Recreation Center and Evergreen Lake House.

EPRD serves approximately 22,000 people residing within its boundaries, and offers affordable recreational options to non-district residents. Learn more at www.evergreenrecreation.com .

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 50,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org .

About Kittredge Civic Association
The Kittredge Civic Association (KCA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based community organization that has served Kittredge, CO, since 1960. KCA has been instrumental in bringing many positive changes to the community, including paving roads and creating Kittredge Community Park and Playground. The Kittredge Park Improvement Committee, a subdivision of KCA, was formed in 2015 to study and recommend improvements to Kittredge Park. Learn more at kittredgecivic.org.

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