The Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation granted $5,000 to the Skatepark of Plymouth, NH, a free recreational resource that is open to youth of all ages. This donation will be used to complete Phase II of construction for the park. This grant is one of 25 awards presented by the Fund to non-profit organizations this year.
“We’re always happy to offer assistance to organizations that make such a positive difference in the lives of so many young people,” said Wyman, President of Meredith Village Savings Bank. “It has been a great park for teens in Plymouth and we are proud to support their efforts to make it even more widely accessible.”
“Plymouth has done a tremendous job providing a wide variety of activity, sports and clubs for young kids,” said Michael Currier, Executive Director of Skatepark of Plymouth, LTD. “The park offers an opportunity for something fun and different from traditional organized sports. This way, even the youth less inclined to participate in organized sports are able to experience a similar feeling of engagement and participation.”
Phase II of the Skate Park’s construction, which began during the spring of 2015, will increase the skateable area of the park. Completion of Phase II will attract even more kids and teens to the space, as more room will be made available for practice and skill development.
“Obesity, drug and alcohol abuse and students who report that they ‘have nothing to do’ continue to plague school-aged kids,” said Currier. “The Skate Park offers a healthy and safe alternative for local kids less inclined to play traditional sports to stay active and socialize with their peers.”
The Skatepark of Plymouth was established in 2009 to provide a safe, recreational gathering place for Plymouth area youth and teens, offering the opportunity for development of athletic skills, promotion of physical activity and exercise through a sport that is growing in popularity worldwide. Phase I of the Skatepark’s construction completed in July of 2011, and comprised of a 120 ft by 12 ft runway with steps, a rail, a box, a bank-to-bank jump, a quarter pipe and fencing necessary for safety. Since its completion, the park has remained open and free to local participants. Approximately 2,300 youth that range in age from Kindergarten through grade 12, and more than 5,000 undergraduates from Plymouth State University will visit the park in a given school year.
The Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund was established at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation under the leadership of John Starrett in 1997, MVSB President and CEO at the time. Since then, 294 grants totaling $1,184,467 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region and Plymouth areas. The Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring as well as education and restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances and equipment that helps save lives. While not focused on a particular category, Fund administrators are mindful of the receiving organization and its contribution to the quality of life in the communities served. Applications are due annually on October 15th. For more information about the MVSB Fund or to download an application, visit www.mvsb.com.
Pictured from left to right: Michael Currier, Executive Director for Skatepark of Plymouth, LTD, Richard Wyman, MVSB President, and Nancy Mardin, Assistant Vice President, Branch and Business Development Manager for MVSB.
