Miami, FL,   July 12, 2011–Grapeland Water Park in Miami, Florida has been named a “Frontline Park” by the national urban park advocacy organization City Parks Alliance. Each month, City Parks Alliance recognizes two “Frontline Parks” to promote and highlight inspiring examples of urban park excellence, innovation, and stewardship across the country. The program also seeks to highlight examples of the challenges facing our cities’ parks as a result of shrinking municipal budgets, land use pressures, and urban neighborhood decay.

“We selected Grapeland Water Park for recognition because it exemplifies the power of neighborhood parks to build social capital and make our cities fun and vibrant for people with all abilities” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director of City Parks Alliance. “We hope that by shining the spotlight on this park that we can raise awareness about both the necessity and the promise of these kinds of community anchors to spur investment in our nation’s urban parks.”

“Grapeland Water Park deserves this recognition; it is a fun and beautiful venue that can be enjoyed by people of all ages almost throughout the year,” expressed Commission Chairman Wifredo “Willy” Gort.  “It is truly an oasis in the heart of the city.”

Grapeland Water Park is the first water destination attraction within the City of Miami. With four pools that include slide play structures, a lazy river and recreation pool, the facility has brought splashy fun to the backyard of a community. The bright and colorful environment was designed by acclaimed international artist Romero Britto, and site furnishings were manufactured by DuMor, Inc. During the summer, it’s common for the park to hit peak capacity several times a day. The combination of innovative water conservation technology, creative design and fitness/recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities make Grapeland a wonderful warm weather neighborhood attraction.

“We’re proud to be able to offer a state-of-the-art facility that provides accessible, close to home recreation opportunities for the community,” says City of Miami Parks & Recreation Director Ernest Burkeen. “In a place like Miami where getting the chance to cool off is important, Grapeland provides a convenient destination for escape in the middle of a busy city.”

Grapeland Water Park will be featured on CPA’s website, www.cityparksalliance.org, during the month of July. Mary Bartelme Park in Chicago, Illinois was also selected as a “Frontline Park” in July.  The “Frontline Parks” program is made possible with generous support from DuMor, Inc. (www.dumor.com) and PlayCore (www.playcore.com).

City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. It unites and serves a growing network of hundreds of civic and community leaders, government agencies, park and recreation authorities, funders and others. CPA’s vision is that everyone in urban America will live within walking distance of a park that is clean, safe and vibrant. www.cityparksalliance.org