NRPA Parks Build Community Project Wins National Award

SOURCE: National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Great Rivers Greenway’s Trojan Park, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2016 Parks Build Community project, wins the Urban Land Institute’s 2020 Urban Open Space Award

Ashburn, Va. (September 11, 2020) — Trojan Park in Wellston, Missouri, the 2016 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Parks Build Community project, has been recognized by the Urban Land Institute’s 2020 Urban Open Space Award. The award recognizes outstanding examples of vibrant public open spaces that have been instrumental in promoting healthy, sustainable and equitable outcomes in communities.

NRPA and Great Rivers Greenway worked closely with the city of Wellston on the development of Trojan Park back in 2016. NRPA’s Parks Build Community is a national initiative aimed at demonstrating the transformative value of parks on the health and vitality of communities across America and has historically included building or refurbishing a park at the location of the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference, which was held in St. Louis.

“We are thrilled that such a deserving park is being recognized with this prestigious national award,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “This year, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Parks Build Community initiative, and this award is a prime example of how an investment in a local park makes a lasting impact on the community it serves. Building a beautiful, sustainable and culturally relevant park in a community — and seeing its transformative effect — illustrates the importance of healthy gathering places for everyone.”

“This collaboration and community created something special here; I think one of our partners described it best when they said it’s beyond compare in terms of smiles per acre,” said Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “ULI’s recognition and support is an honor that will be put to good use continuing to serve Wellston neighbors and the entire St. Louis region.”

Valued at $2 million, Trojan Park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including a state-of-the-art playground, basketball court, splash pad and picnic areas complete with shade structures. More than 25 local and national donors came together to make the park a reality.

Part of the 2020 Urban Open Space Award includes a gift of $10,000, which will go to the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation to support operations and maintenance of Trojan Park.

NRPA would like to thank the donors who provided in-kind products and services to Trojan Park through the Parks Build Community program: Southwest Airlines, Playworld, Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, PlayCore, Musco Lighting, Sport Court, GameTime, BCI Burke, Accella Polyurethane Systems, Jr. NBA, Pilot Rock, Freenotes Harmony Park, WhiteWater, iZone Imaging, SportsPlay, MDF Most Dependable Fountains, Inc., Dero, Forum, Kay Park, Poligon and Gared.

To learn more about the Parks Build Community initiative, visit nrpa.org/parksbuildcommunity.

To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.