L.L.Bean in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, announced the recipients of the first L.L.Bean Community Fund Award, supporting projects in 2019. Projects in Cleveland, Chicago and Boston will each receive $50,000 grants for public park and green space enhancement, enriching the outdoor experience for thousands of people.
In October of 2018, L.L.Bean announced its partnership with The Trust for Public Land, with a $1 million investment to help more people enjoy outdoor spaces in their communities.
“L.L.Bean is extremely proud to be partnering with The Trust for Public Land to create and improve public parks and green spaces in communities with the greatest need,” said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s executive chairman and great-grandson of L.L. Bean. “The three projects we jointly selected highlight our shared goal of improving access to the outdoors for all, and a visit to a neighborhood park or a nearby trail is a great first step toward getting more people outside.”
In Cleveland, the money will be used to expand outdoor experiences for the residents of Lakeview Terrace, one of the oldest public housing complexes in the United States. Renovation of outdated basketball courts, the planting of trees and the addition of outdoor art installations that celebrate the community’s history, will all be part of the modifications. The dilapidated Douglas Park miniature golf course in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood will be revitalized and reimagined with assistance from artists, architects, scientists, and local youth, supporting both youth engagement and outdoor recreation. In the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, access to the Neponset River will be greatly improved, giving residents access to a valuable local outdoor recreational resource.
Studies show that one-in-three Americans don’t have access to a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from their home. L.L.Bean’s investment will continue to support The Trust for Public Land’s campaign to put a quality park within a 10-minute walk of every person in America.
“Parks and green space that are close to home help build community, improve health and provide opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy nature,” said Diane Regas, president and CEO of The Trust for Public Land. “A park close by helps us get active and is linked to lower rates of obesity, stress, and depression. That’s why I’m proud we’re partnering with L.L.Bean to create better park access for the people of Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston.”
Additional grants will continue to be awarded annually through the partnership, given to multiple worthy community projects across the nation, each year.
