Restoring Nature's Playground Two parrk pro ojects highlligh ht the importa ance e of off ffering g wa ater play y and d naturre-b bassed amenities to co omm munitiies By Patti G. Sterling and Akosua Cook, AICP A s stewards of our open spaces, park and recreation professionals know parks are essential for families and youth to make a connection to nature, enjoy the natural world and learn to be future stewards of our environment. With that, we are responsible for providing spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all and offer educational value to our community members. This doesn't just happen overnight; these spaces are thoughtfully planned with the community in mind. That is at the heart of what park and recreation professionals do every day. And, it's also what drives the Building Better Communities grant program, the signature grant program of the American Water Charitable Foundation - the charitable arm of American Water - that is administered by NRPA. American Water has long believed in the importance of being a good neighbor and good steward of the environment. Its customers are at the center of everything the company does and every decision it makes. The grant program brings water play and nature-based amenities to communities across the country, while also ensuring the creation of a next generation of environmental stewards through play and educational opportunities. Through this program, two grantees were able to transform parks to create unique educational play experiences for their communities to connect with water and the natural world while learning how to be better stewards of our natural resources. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N .O R G | AU G U S T 2 02 0 | Parks & Recreation 35