Lake MacBride receives grant from Coca-Cola

SOLON - Lake MacBride received a $10,000 grant from Coca-Cola as part of the company's "America is your Park" campaign.

The $10,000 will help the park install recycled padding that will go around the playgrounds and also feature panels about good nutrition and an active lifestyle.

“The state puts significant resources into it, but with the budget constraints that we have, we're really looking to also get private sector support as well. That's why this contribution from Coca-Cola is very meaningful,” said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

Wednesday's check was brought in by the Solon high school cross country team who ran with the check. It was then presented by Governor Branstad and other local elected officials.

The grant is designed to provide families with different ways to get active outdoors.

“We have a real challenge with obesity among our young people today. We want to really reverse that trend and to be able to encourage young people not only to be physically active but also to choose wisely what they eat,” said Branstad.

As part of Coca-Cola's 2nd annual campaign, Lake MacBride is up against other state parks from around the nation in a competition with a grand prize of $100,000. To vote for Lake MacBride, click here. Voting ends on September 6, 2011. Parks receive extra votes if participants upload photos and video to the website or through Facebook.

“Our goal is that if every Iowan votes at least once, there's a good chance that we'll be right in the hunt,” said Iowa State Parks Bureau Chief Kevin Szcodronski.