News

For Immediate Release
July 23rd, 2021

RICHMOND, IN. – In 2021, Richmond residents can expect to see increased collaboration between Reid Health and Richmond Parks and Recreation due to a recent donation from Reid Community Benefit to support physical activity, nutrition, and weight related projects and programs for the Richmond community. This generous donation of $27,518, made available through Reid Health’s Community Benefit Implementation Plan, will be split between six separate programs run by the Parks and Recreation Department and continues a multi-year collaboration between the two organizations.

“Reid Health is committed to improving the well-being of our communities, and one way we do that is by supporting initiatives and opportunities to encourage physical activity. We are excited to partner again this year with Richmond Parks and Recreation to offer a variety of programming to increase access to exercise opportunities and encourage children and adults to enjoy some physical activity outdoors,” said Angela Cline, Director of Community Benefit at Reid Health.

The first program funded by Reid Health provided $15,518 to continue the Double Dollars Program at the Richmond Farmers Market. The goal of this donation was to increase local access to fresh and nutritious foods. These benefits can be used at the Farmers Market, all summer long, every Saturday morning (8am-12 pm) and Tuesday evenings with live music (5pm-7pm)  at Jack Elstro Plaza (47 N 6th Street, across from Morrisson-Reeves Library). The SNAP Double Dollars Program, sponsored by Reid Health Community Benefit, doubles the value of any SNAP Dollars redeemed at the Farmers Market. To purchase SNAP Tokens using a P-EBT issued card or regular Hoosier Works EBT card, customers should visit the Market Information tent and swipe their card to purchase wooden tokens. The amount swiped will be given back doubled in the value of tokens, which can be used on any SNAP eligible products. Although these tokens are non-refundable,they can be used at future markets. Market tokens can also be used towards eligible items at the Online Farmers Market, found at farmersmarket.richmondindiana.gov. Since the inception of the Double Dollars program in 2017, over $105,000 has been distributed to community members in need.

“The Market is incredibly grateful to Reid Health for their continuous support. The money they donate for the SNAP Double Dollars program not only allows for greater community access to healthy, local foods but also increases the amount of money our vendors can make each week. It’s a win-win,” said Cierra Bailey, Farmers Market Coordinator & Community Engagement Facilitator. 

The Industrial Softball League, Richmond’s softball league for local businesses and organizations, promotes friendly competition and workplace comradery. Reid Health made a $5,000 donation to support this long standing tradition. These funds cover, but are not limited to, the association fees, umpire fees, maintenance, administrative staff fees, registration and scheduling for the entire 2021 season. By supporting this program, Reid Health and Richmond Parks and Recreation are encouraging organizational partnerships that support physical activity, nutrition, and healthy weight using workplace fitness opportunities and challenges.

The Just Us Kids Outdoors (JUKO) summer day camp is a great way for the youth of Richmond to stay active during the summer. Reid Health contributed to help campers have the chance to have a summer full of fun activities including outdoor games, arts and crafts, Wellness Wednesdays, field trips, swimming and much more.  Each day, participants receive lunch through the USDA Summer Food Service Program through Richmond Community Schools. This is another example of Reid Health helping to increase the community’s access to fresh and nutritious foods.

Keith Clemens, Community Recreation Coordinator, stated, “We are extremely excited and thankful to continue our long standing and free JUKO program this year with Reid's help.  Getting the community kids back outside, learning, playing and having fun together has been our goal after missing out on 2020's Summer.  The campers had a great time going on field trips across town, swimming at the pool, doing arts and crafts, and learning new fun games outside all thanks to gracious donations like this one from Reid.” 

With the increasing popularity of walking and biking because of the recent pandemic, the Richmond Parks Department had been increasing efforts on outdoor recreation programming through the Get Healthy in the Parks series. A donation from Reid Health of $3,500 will support these opportunities such as the Walking Club, Fit Fridays, and the new City Bike Park located in Freeman Park’s old BMX area at 1150 New Paris Pike which opened at the end of May. 

The Family Series Program is a series of outdoor events aimed at promoting family bonding. These events include the Father/Daughter Walk and Middlefork Family Day which both happened in June, the Mother/Son Date Night  in late July, and the upcoming Back to School Splash Bash (8/5/21). Reid Health made a contribution of $1,500 to help keep these events a staple for the community.“It has been a pleasure coordinating these events and seeing the smiles on the children and their moms and dads faces as they spend real time together,” said Alyssa Soria, Recreation Programming and Events Coordinator. 

Lastly, Reid Health also contributed $2,000 to sponsor a Free REID Night at Cordell Municipal Pool. The money will be used to cover the cost for 500 children and their parent or/adult caregiver to attend for free. This sponsored family night is scheduled for July 29th, 2021. This benefits the awareness of options and affordability of physical activity and fitness opportunities at the Cordell Municipal Pool.

“It is partnerships like these that fuel what we can do for the community. With the concentration of healthy and active living at the forefront, Reid Health is the appropriate partner. We are thrilled to serve the community in this capacity while fulfilling both of our missions,” said Parks Superintendent Denise Retz.  

The Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is very grateful for the continued support of Reid Health, and look forward to a great summer in the parks. 

For questions or more information about these programs, readers are encouraged to visit parks.richmondindiana.gov or by calling (765) 983-PARK.

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The mission of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is to provide for the positive development and well-being of the Richmond community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational programming and facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers and partners in the community to maximize all available resources.

For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please reach out via the contact details below:

Denise Retz, CPRP
Richmond Parks and Recreation
Superintendent
50 North 5th Street
Richmond, Indiana 47374
deniseretz@richmondindiana.gov
765-983-PARK