Press Release
The Backus Community Center and Koochiching County Department of Public Health/SHIP are partnering to challenge the community to collect coins by April 25 to complete the “Pennies for Play” project that was started by Backus back in October, 2013.
To date, Backus has raised more than $10,000 towards new equipment for Green Acres Park in International Falls.
Contributions have included considerable amounts from Stewart’s Super One Foods, Minnesota Vikings, Blandin Foundation, New Gold, Packaging Corporation of America, Wherley Motors, Frank Youso, individual contributions, and coins collected in the community.
The goal is $30,000, which will replace the main play structure of the park, which originally was installed more than 20 years ago.
The park, located on 6th Avenue East and 17th Street, includes play equipment, a small basketball court, and a picnic pavilion.
“Backus is excited to issue this ‘change’ challenge for the next two months and get this project finished,” said Ward Merrill, executive director of Backus Community Center.
“International Falls is such a giving community and has been so supportive of both ‘Pennies for Play’ projects,” Merrill noted.
“We anticipate the remaining funds needed will be collected by April 25 and we can get this park up-to-date,” he added.
“Every penny really does count.”
The first “Pennies for Play” project was able to raise $20,000 in 2011 to replace the main play structure at Kerry Park in International Falls.
To end the project, Backus and SHIP will host a football-themed carnival and picnic on Tuesday, April 25 at the park starting at 12:30 p.m.
“SHIP is excited to take part in updating the park’s equipment to encourage more outdoor play for everyone,” said Tara Besch, SHIP co-ordinator from the Koochiching County Department of Public Health.
“We live in a time where children, adolescents, and adults are less active and more overweight than ever,” she noted.
According to the 2015 Bridge to Health Survey, Besch said 25.9 percent of Koochiching County residents have had no physical activity in the last month, 32.1 percent are overweight, and 38.3 percent are considered obese.
“Physical activity can aid in weight loss and prevention of chronic disease,” Besch stressed.
“One of the most fun, easiest ways to become more active and get your body moving is to get outside and play.”
Next month’s carnival and picnic are open to the public (in case of inclement weather, it will be moved to the Backus Community Center).
The community is welcome to participate in this family-friendly event that will feature games, food, and a purple-and-gold extreme fan costume contest.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in purple and gold, Bronco or Minnesota Vikings’ apparel, and enter to win a prize for the best costume.
The carnival grand marshall will be International Falls native Frank Youso, an original member of the Minnesota Vikings’ inaugural team of 1961.
Youso also played in the “Greatest Game Ever Played”–the 1958 NFL championship between the N.Y. Giants (for which Youso played) and the Baltimore Colts.
The event will feature football-themed carnival games and activities aimed at children of all ages.
The picnic will start serving at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, to be a collection point, or to donate, contact Robin Bjorkquist at the Backus Community Center at 1-218-285-7225 or via e-mail at backusoffice@backusab.org
