07.21.11

Hoeven:Get On Board For Minot With America's Favorite Park Contest

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Hoeven today is calling on all North Dakotans and friends of North Dakota to vote for Minot’s Oak Park in the Coca Cola Company’s America’s Favorite Park contest. The park has climbed in the voting this week and is currently in first place. 

The first place winner will receive $100,000 and be named “America’s Favorite Park.” The second and third place winners will receive $50,000 and $25,000 respectively. The grants will be used to restore, rebuild or enhance places within the park where people can play or be active. According to the website, it’s ultimately up to winning parks to determine what their needs are. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 6, 2011. 

Minot-area residents have been fighting record flooding from the Mouse (Souris) River this year, which forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and cost millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. The community is just beginning the recovery process, and this grant would help to restore one of the city’s most prized public places. 

“Oak Park is in first place today, and we want to keep them there,” Hoeven said. “Please take a moment to cast your vote for Minot and help its recovery.” 

The contest is part of the America Is Your Park campaign, which is sponsored by the National Park Foundation, in partnership with Coca-Cola, America’s State Parks, and the National Recreation and Park Association. The campaign urges families to get outdoors and discover fun ways to be active in the park while helping their favorite park win big. 

Individuals can vote for their favorite park to win the title of “America’s Favorite Park” and a $100,000 recreation grant made possible by the Coca-Cola Live Positively initiative. 

To cast your vote for Minot, click here, and follow the directions.