National Recreation and Park Association Launches Crowdfunding Project to Raise $450,000 for North Las Vegas Park

ASHBURN, Va., May 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 4,000 children and families living near Joe Kneip Park in North Las Vegas depend on the open space as a gathering place outdoors. However, the tough economy has left the park in need of major improvements. That's why the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has partnered with City of North Las Vegas in a creative effort to raise funds that will help revitalize the park.

Joe Kneip Park has been selected as a featured project for Fund Your Park — NRPA's crowdfunding platform created specifically for park and recreation projects. Throughout the month of May, the public can show their support for local parks and recreation and this community by donating money to support needed improvements to the park.

NRPA's future vision for Joe Kneip Park is simple: expand recreation and physical activity opportunities for the community and provide new and different ways to experience play. The ultimate conclusion is a revitalized park that transforms the local community, embraced and treasured by residents for years to come.

"We've always known the transformative value of parks, but projects like the revitalization of Joe Kneip Park show just how powerful that transformation can be," said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. "Around the country we've seen how park improvement projects big and small can grow community bonds and pride and we look forward to seeing the great things that will come thanks to an improved Joe Kneip Park."

"The City of North Las Vegas is thrilled for the opportunity to renovate Joe Kneip Park" said Mayor John Lee. "We are grateful for the many partners and donors who are joining us to bring this deserving neighborhood a new park. Parks and recreational opportunities play an important role in the overall economy of our city and in the health and wellness of our residents by bringing families and neighbors together for a stronger more vibrant community."

In addition to monetary donations raised through the Fund Your Park platform, NRPA will work with its national partners and suppliers to provide equipment donations for the site.

While new equipment donations will certainly play a major role in revitalizing Joe Kneip Park, funds are still needed to make this vision a reality. The public can help meet this funding gap by donating to the project at www.fundyourpark.org. All donations help bring the new and improved Joe Kneip Park one step closer to fruition.

NRPA has designated Joe Kneip Park as their Parks Build Community project for 2015. Parks Build Community is an ongoing national initiative to demonstrate the transformative value of parks and recreation within local communities. These annual projects are done in conjunction with the organization's Annual Conference, which will be held in Las Vegas in September 2015. The conference will bring thousands of park and recreation professionals to the surrounding area.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 47,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. To learn more about Parks Build Community, visit www.nrpa.org/parksbuildcommunity.