Coca-Cola presents $25,000 grant to Cunningham Park

(From Coca-Cola)

After a groundswell of community and nationwide support, Cunningham Park in Joplin was awarded a $25,000 grant today from Coca-Cola’s America Is Your Park campaign. Throughout the summer, the nationwide contest garnered over 13 million online votes for parks across the country. Friday’s check presentation featured remarks from local elected officials and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.


“The story of Joplin and the resiliency of those who live here has touched the hearts of people across the nation,” Gov. Nixon said. “An important part of this city’s recovery will be ensuring that it has first-class recreational opportunities for its citizens, which is what Cunningham Park will be once again. Thanks to Coca-Cola, a truly iconic American brand, and to those who voted online for helping make this possible.”

Cunningham Park, owned and operated by the City of Joplin, was damaged by a devastating tornado in 2011. The park plans to use the $25,000 recreation grant to help restore the park so families can once again enjoy numerous outdoor activities.

“America’s parks are cherished places where families and friends can enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors while being active and having fun,” said Drew Heenan, Vice President, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “This year, our friendly competition saw a number of communities come together to rally support for parks affected by natural disasters. We are honored to have been able to play a role in helping local communities give back to their favorite parks through the America Is Your Park campaign.”

The competition to find “America’s favorite park” ignited social media platforms this summer and mobilized entire communities. For the top three parks, each affected by some form of natural disaster in recent months, the competition brought additional attention and community support. First and second-place winners were Oak Park in Minot, N.D., and Soudan Underground Mine State Park in Minnesota, respectively.

For more than 40 years, Coca-Cola has supported America’s parks through partnerships with individual parks and national park organizations. The Company has donated more than $14 million for restoration and renovation of our country’s parks through programs like America Is Your Park.