Washington: coffee company commits to parks

Parks & Recreation, August, 2005

Now when residents in Washington State buy caramel lattes, they're helping to satisfy more than just a caffeine buzz--Starbucks Coffee Company announced in January that it will commit $1 million in 2005 for the improvement of parks in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Starbucks awarded $450,000 in grants through the Neighborhood Parks Grants program, which gave 30 grants of up to $15,000 each to communities undertaking park improvement. This is a significant increase from the previous annual commitment of $100,000.

The Starbucks Parks Fund gave $550,000 to park projects that the company specifies as "signature park projects" throughout the three counties. It was based on community need rather than an application.

"Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program reflects our passion for giving back to the communities in which we live, work and play," said Cosimo LaPorta, Starbucks regional vice president, Pacific Northwest. "We are proud to make a commitment to these three counties in Western Washington and look forward to working with our Starbucks partners, customers and neighborhood organizations to improve the quality and vitality of our communities."

For the past four years, Starbucks has given more than $40,000 in grants to 40 grassroots neighborhood groups, undertaking park projects. More information on Starbucks Neighborhood Parks Program can be found at www.starbuckslovesparks.com Here's a listing of this year's grant recipients:

King County:

* Brookside Playground Improvement Project

* Dahl Playfield Renovation

* Deane's Children's Park Toddler Area

* Enumclaw Foothills Trail Extension

* Fremont Peak Park Restoration

* Hat 'n Boots Restoration

* Kennydale Lions Park Play Area Renovation

* Lake Hills Produce Stand Renovation

* Landmark Fence Project at University Playground Park

* Macadam Winter Garden Park Project

* Marra Farm Community Project

* Mathison/Carver Park Playground Development

* Opstad Playground Improvement Initiative

* Pioneer Elementary Playground Renovation

* Ship Canal Landscaping Project

* "The Triangle" Plaza Restoration Project

Pierce County:

* Blueberry Farm Improvements

* Cirque Park Tot Playground Project

* Eatonville Town Park Project

* Gene Goodwin Memorial Tot Lot Improvements

* Neighbor's Park Playground Renovation

* Playground at Ft. Steilacoom Park Project

* Purdy Community Playground Project

Snohomish County:

* Edmonds City Park Band Shell Project

* Forgotten Creek Enhancement Project

* Garfield Park Entry Improvement Project

* Miracle League Ball Field Project

* North Neighborhood Park Project

* Portage Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project

* Whittier Elementary Playground Replacement Project