Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry

From the Coca-Cola Company:

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, March 28, 2012 -- 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 parks, 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 through 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.

The court at Fox Park is the only court in St. Louis on the 2012 nomination list.

 

Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry

City of St. Louis