Grants from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Support Accessible Kayak Launch and Picnic Tables

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) and Burleigh County Water Resource District (BCWRD) are proud to announce they have each been awarded grants as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) 2021 1st  Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life grants. Sixty-seven grants totaling $1,305,579 were awarded.

BPRD’s $24,465 grant will enable replacement of 12 picnic tables in park shelters throughout the district with accessible tables that allow for ease of access for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

BCWRD’s $25,000 grant will provide for installation of an accessible kayak/canoe launch at McDowell Dam Recreation Area. This will be the first accessible launch within the community and provide much-needed water access to those with mobility challenges.

“BPRD and BCWRD have been partnering for more than 40 years to provide recreation opportunities at McDowell Dam Recreation Area,” says James Landenberger, BCWRD Board Member. “These grants are fundamental to both organizations’ commitment to providing accessible public park and recreation services for residents and visitors to stay active and healthy.”

“The pandemic highlighted the importance of essential community infrastructure such as McDowell Dam and community parks as spaces for physical and mental health, and these grant funds help us ensure these critical public places are accessible and open to all,” says Randy Bina, BPRD executive director.

The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofits that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,400 grants totaling more than $34 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0002-03-00).

The Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Direct Effect Quality of Life grants program funds organizations up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“The Reeve Foundation is humbled and proud to be able to support important organizations by offering life-changing projects and programs through this grant cycle,” says Mark Bogosian, director, quality of life grants program, Reeve Foundation. “Funding projects that prevent harassment and displacement of low-income tenants, offering Paralympians an abuse prevention curriculum and other community-based activities like adaptive sports and gardening to end food insecurity is an example of how we’re aiding people living with paralysis to regain their independence and back into their local community.”

For more information, contact BPRD at 701-222-6455 or BCWRD at 701-354-1501.