Freeport, ME, April 2, 2019
L.L.Bean and The Trust for Public Land Announce Three Recipients of the L.L.Bean Community Award for 2019, Helping to Create Parks Where They’re Needed Most
Part of a $1 million pledge to The Trust for Public Land announced in 2018, communities in Cleveland, Chicago and Boston will receive funding to improve green spaces in order to provide greater access to the outdoors
Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is proud to announce the recipients of the first L.L.Bean Community Fund Award, supporting projects in 2019. Projects in Cleveland, Chicago and Boston will each receive $50,000 grants for much needed public park and green space enhancement, greatly enriching the outdoor experience for thousands of people. In October of 2018, L.L.Bean announced its partnership with The Trust for Public Land, with a $1 million investment to help more people enjoy outdoor spaces in their communities.
“L.L.Bean is extremely proud to be partnering with The Trust for Public Land to create and improve public parks and green spaces in communities with the greatest need,” said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s Executive Chairman and great-grandson of L.L. Bean. “The three projects we jointly selected highlight our shared goal of improving access to the outdoors for all, and a visit to a neighborhood park or a nearby trail is a great first step toward getting more people outside.”
In Cleveland, the money will be used to expand outdoor experiences for the residents of Lakeview Terrace, one of the oldest public housing complexes in the United States. Renovation of outdated basketball courts, the planting of trees and the addition of outdoor art installations that celebrate the community’s history, will all be part of the modifications. The dilapidated Douglas Park miniature golf course in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood will be revitalized and reimagined with assistance from artists, architects, scientists and local youth, providing an innovative, dynamic form of youth engagement and outdoor recreation. In the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, access to the Neponset River will be greatly improved, giving residents access to a valuable local outdoor recreational resource.
Studies show that 1-in-3 Americans don’t have access to a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from their home. L.L.Bean’s investment will continue to support The Trust for Public Land’s campaign to put a quality park within a 10-minute walk of every person in America.
“Parks and green space that are close to home help build community, improve health and provide opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy nature,” said Diane Regas, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land. “A park close by helps us get active and is linked to lower rates of obesity, stress and depression. That’s why I’m proud we’re partnering with L.L.Bean to create better park access for the people of Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston.”
Additional grants will continue to be awarded annually through the partnership, given to multiple worthy community projects across the nation, each year.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 40 stores in 17 states across the United States, along with 27 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land garden, park or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. Visit The Trust for Public Land at www.tpl.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.