By Renee Larr
Indiana University Health North and Saxony hospitals recently named Hamilton County Parks and Recreation as the recipient of their Physical Activity Priority Grant. HCPR received the $6,000 grant because of its commitment to health and physical activity.
Each year, IUHN and Saxony hospitals grant community benefit dollars to various nonprofits in Hamilton County whose missions align with that of IU Health.
“We look to provide grants to organizations that want to help address one of Hamilton County’s identified community health priorities: physical activity and nutrition, access to health care, behavioral health and older adults and aging,” said Joy E. Davis, manager of community engagement at IU Health North and Saxony hospitals. “The Parks Department does great work in encouraging physical activity among Hamilton County residents, and IU Health supports their initiatives. We know the parks department will be able to do more to enhance their offerings within our community.”
HCPR plans to use the grant to help defray the cost of rehabbing and expanding the playground equipment in Geist Park.
“Approval for appropriation of those funds will need to be provided by IU Health and our park board,” said Don Nicholls, HCPR resource development specialist. “Upon approval by both groups, the project planning will commence immediately.”
IUHN and HCPR partnered together in 2016 through the hospital’s Day of Service program. Volunteers from both hospitals worked at Cool Creek Park in Westfield to make improvements. They plan to continue working together for Day of Service 2017.
