The urban green space of York’s historic Penn Park experienced some improvements thanks to the teamwork of representatives from Keep York Beautiful, GIANT Food Stores, GreenPrint, York City School District STEAM Academy and York City Parks and Recreation.

The project was driven by the students at the STEAM Academy who took an interest in improving the existing rain garden and added a variety of native plants that can thrive under a variety of conditions.

The native plants were also chosen for their production of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season, thereby supporting pollinator habitat for local bees, birds, butterflies and moths.

Thirty students participated in the project.

Penn Park, located at 100 E. College Avenue, is valued locally for its central location, areas for children that include a splash pad and engaging playground equipment and a major end-of-summer food truck event.

“The rain garden at Penn Park has become an outdoor classroom providing project based learning opportunities.  The rain garden creates a new learning environment where STEAM Academy students participate in hands on learning activities and discussions about the benefits of public parks, stormwater management and native plants,” explained Tom Smith, Executive Director of Keep York Beautiful.      

This is a continuation of projects initiated by GIANT’S Reduced Emissions Program, which was developed in partnership with GreenPrint Holdings Inc.

 “GIANT wants to make sure we are staying true to our promise and helping to ensure a healthy planet for future generations and we are proud to work with organizations such as Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and their local affiliate Keep York Beautiful, who share our commitment,” said Ashley Flower, Manager, Public  Relations, GIANT Food Stores.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., has more than 25 years of experience in organizing volunteer-driven illegal dump clean-ups and beautification events and is continuing to partner with GIANT as part of the company’s Reduced Emissions Program, powered by GreenPrint Holdings Inc.

Through the Reduced Emissions Program, for every qualifying gallon of fuel purchased at a GIANT or MARTIN’S fuel station, GreenPrint will invest in carbon projects across the globe, which will offset up to 30 percent of the customer’s tailpipe carbon emissions. 

In addition, GIANT associates will take part in various community improvement projects, organized by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and their local affiliates, such as tree plantings, greenspace enhancements, invasive species removal, butterfly gardens, trash cleanups, and more.

“We are honored to partner with GIANT through the Reduced Emissions Program and grateful that they are engaging with our local affiliates to make improvements that benefit local schools and entire neighborhoods,” explains Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “GIANT has been a sponsor of our Great American Cleanup of PA, our signature program, for a number of years. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Visit GIANT Food Stores’ Care for the Environment webpage to learn more about the company’s sustainability programs.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.

Sign up now for the 2019 Pick Up Pennsylvania/ International Coastal Cleanup and volunteer or set up your own cleanup event through October 31.  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

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[Posted: October 9, 2019]

10/14/2019