They Shoot…They Score! Sprite Spark Parks Project to Get Courts Back in the Game in 25 Cities
Sprite Teams with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to Benefit More Than 475,000 Teens Through Refreshed Courts
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This spring, young basketball players across the country will see their well-used neighborhood basketball courts bounce back to life. Through the Sprite Spark Parks Project, Sprite is giving people an opportunity to direct grants for the courts that are important to them by lending their vote at www.SpriteSparkParks.com.
With the help of the NRPA, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people, Sprite has identified 25 basketball courts to refresh in key markets across the country. The courts, which are located in public parks and recreation centers throughout the nation, will receive various levels of support based on the number of votes they earn through May 31.
People can vote for a court by submitting the My Coke Rewards codes found on Sprite and Sprite Zero Fridge Pack™, 20-pack, 24-pack, 20 oz. and 2-liter products. Sprite will donate $275,000 to 25 parks in grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The donations will be used to refurbish rims, backboards, lights, benches and playing surfaces – sparking new life in these active public spaces.
“The mission of the Sprite Spark Parks Project is to refresh neighborhood basketball courts so teens can express their uncontainable moves, and this year, we’re getting 25 courts back in the game,” said Michael Mathews, vice president, non-colas sparkling, Coca-Cola North America. “We have partnered with the NRPA to encourage people to vote for their favorite court by May 31st – it could lead to $15,000 for a Sprite Spark Parks refresh!”
“Parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities across the country are the best places for kids and teens to go to be physically active, improve their health and wellness and have fun,” said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of NRPA. “We are proud to work with Sprite on this restorative effort because we must preserve and maintain these public spaces to ensure that all can take advantage of the healthy benefits they have to offer for years to come.”
While voting for their favorite Spark Park court, people also can help support and preserve public parks and recreational facilities for future generations by donating to the NRPA’s efforts at americasbackyard.org.
2012 Sprite Spark Parks Nominated Courts
Whether for a little individual practice or a spontaneous pick-up game, neighborhood basketball courts play a big part in the lives of young people. The following courts have been selected as grant recipients in 2012.
- Grayson Park in Birmingham, Ala.
- Washington Park in Chicago
- DeHart Park in Cincinnati
- Elmira Park in Durham, N.C.
- Hollywood Recreation Center in Los Angeles
- Jesse Turner Park in Memphis
- Dorsey Park in Miami
- Starlight Park in Phoenix
- Fox Park in St. Louis
- Cotillion Park in Dallas
- Burdett Park in College Park, Ga.
- Winzer Basketball Court in Houston
- Indianola Park in Indianapolis
- Frazier Park in Charlotte, N.C.
- Juneau Playground in Milwaukee, Wis.
- Gatto Playground in New Orleans
- Pratt Park Basketball Courts in Seattle
- Westown Commons Park in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- DeFremery Park in Oakland, Calif.
- Evelyn Davis Park in Des Moines, Iowa
- Ethel Bailey Furman Memorial Park in Richmond, Va.
- Emery Heights Recreation Center in Washington, D.C.
- Dermond Recreation Area in Drexel Hill, Pa.
- Portland Park in Louisville, Ky.
- Sorrentino Recreation Center in Far Rockaway, N.Y.
About Sprite Spark Parks Project:
The Sprite Spark Parks Project launched in February 2011 with the mission to construct, refurbish and refresh play spaces across the country.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. The Company’s portfolio includes 15 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
About 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 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.
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Coca-Cola
Kerry Tressler, 404-676-3676
ketressler@coca-cola.com
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Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released March 28, 2012