Auburn Receives Top Awards for Discovery Playground, Special Events and Marketing Efforts

Contact:
Daryl Faber, Parks, Arts & Recreation Director
253-931-3043
dfaber@auburnwa.gov

View Discovery Playground video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2011

AUBURN, Wash. - May 10, 2011 - The City of Auburn received a spotlight facility award at the annual Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) conference last month, receiving the highest honor for the Discovery Playground. The judges were impressed with the features of the playground and the successful fundraising efforts. Spotlight award categories included parks, facilities, sports complexes, special use areas, websites, posters, special events, and adult or youth programs. The Discovery Playground also received Best Community Service Program from the Washington Festival & Events Association at their annual conference in March.

Auburn’s new 32,000 square foot Discovery Playground opened in June 2010 to the delight of thousands of children. This unique playground features accessible surfacing; play opportunities that support all levels of development; elevated sand tables, water, and auditory elements; cozy spots to gather; areas to swing, spin, balance, roll and play. Tactile surfaces and a sensory garden include an integrated system of spaces devoted to the five senses: see, hear, touch, taste and smell. The playground was designed with the physical, sensory and developmental abilities of all children in mind and is a place where children of all abilities learn together through play, develop essential life skills, and participate in an environment where compassion and acceptance flourish.

In just under nine months, the Discovery Playground fundraising campaign raised over $319,824 to support of the project, including $94,172 of in-kind services that were donated toward the project. Donations were received by 71 separate funding sources, including individuals, corporations, businesses, granting agencies, foundations, service clubs, children and service providers. In addition to the financial support, members of the community supported the project by planting the entire sensory garden and assisting with the playground landscaping. Service groups and other community groups are assisting with the long term upkeep as needed.

The City of Auburn recently finalized a video that captures the unique features of Discover Playground.

The City also received a Washington Recreation and Park Association Spotlight Media award for its BRAVO performing arts marketing campaign, and received two additional awards from the Washington Festival and Events Association with a Silver Award for Best T-Shirt for Petpalooza and Gold Award for Best Souvenir Pin for the 4th of July Car Show Dash Plaque.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION (WRPA)
WRPA is a professional and public interest organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting parks, recreation, and art pursuits in Washington State. The annual awards promote and encourage innovation and excellence within Parks and Recreation and honor noteworthy contributions to communities around the State. More information can be found at www.wrpatoday.org

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City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation
910 Ninth Street SE
Auburn WA 98002
253-931-3043
www.auburnwa.gov

CONTACT

Auburn City Hall
25 W Main Street
Auburn WA 98001-4998
Phone: 253-931-3000

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