California Park Gets Green Makeover
The playground at Bristol Park in Turlock, Calif., is roughly 20
years old, in major need of a facelift and some TLC. Sadly, in today's
economy, community projects like renovating an aging park can get put
in the backburner due to budget cuts. To the rescue came unlikely
heroes: the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT
MILK?, and Turlock-based Sunnyside Farms.
GOT MILK?
and Sunnyside Farms are donating a new playground that would make
neighboring cities "green" with envy. To demonstrate their support for
healthy, strong families and green projects, more than 41,000 milk jugs
were recycled to create a new state-of-the art, environmentally
friendly children's playground at Bristol Park.
"We
want to create a network of healthy and active families," says Steve
James, executive director of the CMPB. "Through this playground
project, we are promoting the importance of outdoor physical activity
and encouraging green living."
Earlier this year, GOT
MILK? committed to build environmentally friendly playgrounds with
local milk processors in California. Sunnyside Farms was the first to
collaborate with GOT MILK? on the project. Officials with the city of
Turlock say the unexpected gift came at the right time.
"Funding
for revamping parks is scarce, nonexistent nowadays, because other city
projects take greater priority," says Mayor John Lazar. "We thank GOT
MILK? and Sunnyside Farms for putting their money where their mouth is
and for going into neighborhoods to build much-needed outdoor
recreation."
The tan-and-green colored playground at
Bristol Park was designed by Progressive Design Playgrounds (PD Play),
which encompasses a 47 foot by 39 foot area and comes fully equipped
with slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing equipment. It is
compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Because
the play structure is a community-oriented project meant to create
goodwill, the city of Turlock and Sunnyside Farms are inviting
residents to come together from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, to
roll up their sleeves and help put the finishing touches in the new
park. Volunteers who attend will be treated to GOT MILK? gifts and a
free BBQ lunch. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 4 p.m.
The
recycled play structure replaces the old Bristol Park playground, one
of the oldest in the city, at 2500 Castleview Drive, Turlock, Calif.
"This
is our way of giving back to a community that's been good to us," says
Scott DeAraujo of Sunnyside Farms. "We are helping build a playground
in our backyard, which will hopefully serve to build strong, healthier
families."