Recently announced, the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Water Charitable Foundation will continue to partner together to expand the signature grant program, Building Better Communities. According to a NRPA press release, the funds are given towards projects that will build or enhance natural play areas, nature-based playgrounds and/or splash pads, in order to educate people on environmental stewardship practices.

"We are thrilled to continue this unique partnership with the NRPA and provide water-related park improvement projects in communities served by American Water, offering opportunities to learn about, interact and appreciate water, a critical natural resource, in a fun and engaging way," said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation.

The organizations plan to provide $1.5 million in grants to support water-related park projects in certain cities throughout the United States for the next three years. The grantees for 2019 will be announced by August 31.

The Building Better Communities program specifically focuses on improving nature-based play spaces for children, as well as preserving the natural resources of parks. For more information on the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/y56xnugp.