In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) has awarded $150,000 in grant funding for a park project in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Due to this financial support, East Lake Park will undergo a major revitalization into a nature-based play area. Laura Martin, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation said, "This water-centric park improvement project will give residents of all ages the opportunity to enjoy, learn about and appreciate the environment and especially our critical natural resource, water, in a fun and engaging way."

The project was chosen based on water components, play value, education value, use of natural play materials and more. East Lake Park will include an outdoor classroom to teach about the environment to local schools and groups, as well as provide an engaging, natural atmosphere for families.

The playground project is also part of the Foundation's Building Better Communities signature grant program, a program that specifically focuses on improving nature-based play spaces for children, as well as preserving the natural resources of parks.

Over 10 NRPA grants have been awarded to American Water communities in the U.S., with more to come in the future.