Coca-Cola: America is Your Park

I love going to the park. Even as an adult, there is just something so fun and energizing about playing in a common place where people from the community can gather. Parks are especially important, as they provide a place for kids to get out and play and be active. Living in a state that always tops the obesity charts, I feel that making improvements to our parks is a very important thing.

Thanks to Coca Cola, this is going to become a reality for four parks around the country! Yes, it’s true! Through the live positively campaign, Coca Cola is allowing you to vote for your favorite park, and you can earn even more points for checking in via a special foursquare link when you visit your favorite park. This is the third year of the successful campaign, so be sure to vote for YOUR favorite park. The America Is Your Park campaign was developed in collaboration with the National Park Foundation, America’s State Parks and the National Recreation and Park Association

You can vote now through July 15th for your favorite local park. I am voting for my favorite, Ft. Maurepas park in Ocean Springs, MS.

This park means a lot to me because it is usually a meeting spot for long runs, and it is right on the beach. It’s in a beautiful area, which is still trying to come back after hurricane Katrina. Bobby and I have even gone for a long run and then had a picnic at the park afterwards. It has a fun playground and a splash pad as well as bathrooms and a covered pavilion, but I would love to see a basketball court or some outdoor metal workout/circuit equipment.

It’s all up to you, folks. If you want your park to win, spread the word! You can share via Facebook and Twitter that you have voted, so you can get everyone you know involved. Last year, there were a total for 13 MILLION votes! I say we try to top that! Remember, any park big or small can win. First prize is a $100,000 grant, 2nd prize is a $50,000 grant, and third prize is a $25,000 grant. One lucky park in the top 25 will be randomly chosen for a $15,000 grant as well. It’s SO EASY to vote, so do it right now!

Ok so to recap, here are the two ways to vote:

o Going online (via computer or smartphone 1 vote each)
o “Checking in” and voting from the park via Foursquare (100 votes each) – Details on the site

QOTD: What park are you voting for? Every vote counts!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Only legal residents of the 50 U.S. (and D.C.) who are at least 13 years old and reside within the U.S. at the time of participation are eligible to vote for a Park. Participate on behalf of a Park by: July 15, 2012. The 3 most popular Parks will be offered a grant and there will be 1 Wild Card drawing at the end of the Contest to award an additional grant. To participate, for Official Rules, and complete details including grant descriptions, visit www.LivePositively.com/parks. Void where prohibited.