Bobcat announces park improvement grant and partnership with National Recreation and Park Association

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, and with a focus on positively impacting communities, Bobcat and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) are partnering to create vibrant and sustainable community park and recreation areas.

Through its partnership with NRPA, Bobcat will extend five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects in designated communities throughout the United States. Bobcat will also support the grant recipients through the use of its compact equipment lineup as applicable on project sites. Projects may support various restoration, beautification or enhancement activities focused on climate readiness, native habitat restoration, trails maintenance or development, native plantings and pollinator habitats, green stormwater infrastructure, sports fields and more, the company reports.

“Bobcat is committed to investing time and resources for the betterment of our world, and these grant opportunities align with our community building initiatives and focus on sustainability,” says Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “We are humbled to support these efforts and serve as a catalyst for cultivating resilient communities throughout the United States.”

In alignment with NRPA’s equitable grantmaking criteria, the grant evaluation process will prioritize sustainability needs and focus on communities with a moderate to high level of vulnerability by evaluating social factors such as poverty, housing, transportation access and the community’s vulnerability to natural or manmade disasters.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bobcat to showcase the power of parks and recreation,” says Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of NRPA. “Park and recreation professionals are champions in addressing so many of our most pressing challenges and are key to building stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities.”

Laura Ness Owens, Doosan Bobcat vice president of global brand and North American marketing, says: “At Bobcat, we are committed to supporting the communities where our customers, dealers and employees live and work. Bobcat is a proud supporter of the National Recreation and Park Association. Together we aim to build infrastructure at the community level, drive best practices and spread awareness of the power of parks and recreation.”