Coatesville, Pa. (Nov. 7, 2022) – The Alliance for Health Equity was presented with a $25,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation for the Greening Coatesville Initiative and Outdoor Fitness Center, as part of the Foundation’s 2022 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program.
The fitness center will be in Victor Abdala Sr. Park, a 3.1-acre park between Olive Street and Lincoln Highway. The park is surrounded by grass and a nearby playground, adjacent to Scott Middle school, and considered the gateway into the city from east to west. Abdala Park is used by residents, various organizations and clubs including, the Coatesville Kid Raiders Football League, an amateur Rugby organization. It is also home to the city’s Sounds of Summer Music Series.
“Pennsylvania American Water has been a long-standing community partner in the City of Coatesville, and thanks to the Alliance for Health Equity, the city will benefit from the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant,” said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “The award will help fund the construction of an outdoor fitness center and continue the Parks and Recreation Commission’s efforts to improve our city parks by encouraging new park experiences through healthy and educational activities. We are proud to partner with Pennsylvania American Water and the Alliance for Health Equity.”
The Outdoor Fitness Initiative was launched after the city received a $30,000 Healthy Cities Grant from the National Fitness Campaign Foundation to construct a state-of-the-art, free outdoor fitness and health center. The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission coordinates fitness programs and health activities to attract and enhance the city’s diversity equity and inclusion initiatives. The outdoor fitness center will inspire group exercises, health gatherings and events featuring screenings, mental health resources, and building relationships.
“As a trusted partner to develop substantive solutions to address complex health, social and economic conditions in greater Coatesville, the Alliance for Health Equity is pleased to receive this grant as part of our Greening Coatesville Initiative, where we focus on transforming everyday environments, like parks and playgrounds, to bring health, equity, and dignity to under-resourced communities,” said Nicholas Torres, interim president and CEO at the Alliance for Health Equity.
The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program is focused on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. This year through this program, nearly $175,000 has been donated to community organizations across the Commonwealth that are working to improve the natural environment where Pennsylvania American Water customers and employees live, work and play.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations across Pennsylvania American Water’s footprint to provide equitable and accessible projects and programs focused on clean water, environmental education, access to recreation and more,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people. For more information, visit www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com and follow Pennsylvania American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Picture: Standing on the grounds of the future Outdoor Fitness Center at Abdala Park, (L to R) Nick Torres, interim president and CEO for The Alliance for Health Equity, Kara Rahn, senior manager of government and external affairs at Pennsylvania American Water, and James Logan, city manager, City of Coatesville.