This evening organizations came together for Flint children at Durant-Turri-Mott Elementary School in a Design Day in which local students were able to take part in activities to share and build their perfect playground. After the evening activities, Jamie Gaskin, CEO of United Way of Genesee County, shared with the children that six new playgrounds will be built in Flint this summer. Partners in the playground build project include the City of Flint, Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF), Flint Kids Fund of the Foundation for Flint, Make an Impact Foundation, and United Way of Genesee County.
"United Way is very excited about being a partner in play through these playgrounds," said Jamie Gaskin, Chief Executive Officer. "The goals of these playground builds are to enhance the communities and improve the quality of life for children and families in Flint."
The new playgrounds will be built at the following parks in July/August of 2018. The locations are:
• Dewey Park
• Farnumwood
• Cook
• Eldorado Vista
• Whaley
• Clara Hilborn
Cost of the project is $400,000. Major funding came from a $330,000 grant from the Flint Kids Fund of the Foundation for Flint and a donor advised of CFGF.
"With these six playgrounds Flint children will have the opportunity to once again have safe, quality, and fun places to play which is a key aspect of early childhood development," said Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of CFGF. "Hundreds of youth will be able to experience the great outdoors in a beautiful playground in their neighborhood."
Other support for the #FlintKidsPlay project comes from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Ruth Mott Foundation, Diplomat, Crim Fitness Foundation, Keep Genesee County Beautiful and Miracle Midwest Recreation Company.
Those interested in being involved in the project or becoming a donor or sponsor should visit www.unitedwaygenesee.org/flintkidsplay or email info@unitedwaygenesee.org.