2 Million Dollars
17 NC Parks

April 23, 2019 (Fort Payne, AL) - GameTime is pleased to announce the funding recipients of the 2019 North Carolina Recreation and Park Association’s Healthy Play and Recreation Initiative. Up to $2 million in matching funds will be given to local park and recreation agencies in North Carolina for the purchase of new playground systems. This is the first year for the funding and educational partnership between NCRPA, GameTime, Cunningham Recreation and PlayCore. 

In the educational component of the initiative, PlayCore provided CEU-qualified professional development sessions throughout North Carolina to share research-based best practices in playground design and programming. For the funding component of the initiative, GameTime made a commitment of up to two-million dollars in matching funds for NCRPA agencies who submitted applications for assistance with the development of playground spaces that encourage best practice designs for active behavior. 

“At the heart of GameTime and our parent company PlayCore, is the desire to enrich childhood through play with contemporary design, world-class manufacturing, and research-based programs and curriculum,” said Bob Barron, Senior Vice President for GameTime. “One way we do this is through the training workshops, providing park and recreation professionals with research and resources to create spaces that are based on best practices. With that research, NCRPA agencies are better equipped to create recreation areas that maximize park usage and encourage children and families to be more active together.” 

Each of the playgrounds that are funded by the initiative will be designated as National Demonstration Sites for data collection, and will contribute data to highlight best practices and outcomes achieved. 

“We’re excited to start this new chapter and help local communities put research into action,” said Michelle Wells, Executive Director of NCRPA. “We had such an incredible amount of support from local agencies with this initiative, more than 120 people attended the professional development events in January and February. We look forward to seeing the impacting ripple effects in our communities! Congratulations to the 18 newly designated National Demonstration Sites in our state.” 

The following are the 2019 recipients and will be recognized at the 2019 Carolinas Joint Conference in September: 

• Bertie County Parks & Recreation 
• Buncombe County Recreation Services 
• Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation 
• Clayton Parks & Recreation 
• Davidson Parks & Recreation 
• Durham Parks and Recreation 
• Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources 
• Graham Recreation and Parks 
• Greensboro Parks and Recreation 
• Knightdale Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs 
• Nashville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources 
• Pine Springs Preparatory Academy 
• Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources 
• Scotland County Parks & Recreation 
• Town of Maysville 
• Washington Parks & Recreation 
• Watauga County Parks & Recreation 

While the specific funding amounts for each of these projects will be determined once designs are completed and approved by the related agencies, up to $2 million in total funding will be matched. 

About GameTime 

GameTime is a leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, custom play spaces and outdoor fitness equipment. Headquartered in Fort Payne, Alabama, and with distribution around the world, GameTime has been dedicated to enriching childhood through play since our founding in 1929, and we work with community partners to demonstrate Play Has No Limit®. Learn more at gametime.com. 

About PlayCore 

PlayCore is a purpose driven Company committed to building stronger communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. The company infuses scholarly learning, through its Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, into its comprehensive family of brands. PlayCore combines best-in-class educational programming with the most comprehensive portfolio of play and recreation products and services to create tailored solutions that match the unique needs of each community served. 

About NCRPA 

Founded in 1944, the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) is the premier nonprofit education and advocacy organization, dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in our state. NCRPA empowers park and recreation professionals and citizen board members through educational opportunities that enhance their ability to change lives and impact communities on a daily basis for the citizens of North Carolina. For an overview of the programs and services offered by the organization, visit www.ncrpa.net