RAPRD Scholarships: All Aboard! — RAPRD Play by Play

When you think of Redmond Area Park and Recreation District, you might not immediately think of trains. Or, maybe you do! After all, we train Redmond kids how to play soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Our wellness instructors teach patrons strength and endurance training on land and in the water. We train our staff and volunteers to put on top quality recreational programs! But freight trains? No connection, right? Nope, wrong, we are happy to say! We are excited to announce that we have received a $3,000 grant from BNSF Railway to support our scholarship program!

As you have probably seen as you waited at a railroad crossing, from the block letters emblazoned on the sides of the freight cars that run through the East side of town, those trains are operated by BNSF, our local railway company. BNSF Railway is an enormous freight transportation company, operating approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. Its history stretches back to 1849, a decade before Oregon achieved statehood, and their trains carry everything from grain to coal to petroleum, building materials, and food. Unlike Nike or the Trailblazers’ Foundation, however, you might not automatically associate a railroad with youth sports, before- and after-school programs, or summer camp. But BNSF saw something special in our community, and in RAPRD, and has stepped up to support us.

RAPRD’s scholarships help make our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. RAPRD Executive Director Katie Hammer explains, “Recreation programs enhance lives by offering an opportunity to learn a new skill, be physically active and to socialize. RAPRD offers scholarships because we feel that it is important for every member of our community to have the chance to benefit from recreation programs.” We believe that even in tough financial times – especially in tough financial times – participating in recreation, education, and enrichment activities supports wellness and brings individuals and families together. Our programs help individuals find wellness, and also bring our community closer by providing opportunities to find strength, fitness, and make social connections together and our scholarships help keep our programs affordable and within reach of everyone.

BNSF likewise considers the quality of life in the communities their trains pass through. Courtney Wallace, Regional Director, Public Affairs explains BNSF’s commitment to even the smallest of communities within their tens of thousands of miles of track. BNSF employees live, work, and volunteer throughout the communities the company serves, she explains, and the company developed the BSNF Foundation as its main vehicle for charitable giving in 1996. Since that time, Wallace describes, “the Foundation's giving has expanded to help more and more communities.”

Despite the size of the company and the vast territory they serve, BNSF staff views their impact on a local level. As Wallace notes, BNSF's shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day.” Hammer also observes the connection between small communities and large corporations which, after all, are made up of people: employees with families who play sports and picnic in local parks. “Some businesses support communities where they operate because they are invested in the livability of that community,” Hammer says. “By donating to an organization such as RAPRD, they are supporting activities that their employees and families and customers directly participate in.”

RAPRD distributes tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, to ensure that everyone can afford to participate in our programs. Last year, we provided $64,000 in scholarships to low income kids and families and 58% of those funds supported kids in our Adventure Quest before- and after-school program, and Camp Adventure Quest in the summer. The program focuses on fostering social connections and an active lifestyle, while encouraging creative skills in arts and crafts. Brandy Princehorn, Assistant Recreation Coordinator knows how vital scholarships are to all her Adventure Quest kids, who develop close ties with one another, and a feeling of belonging. “It gives kids who may be less fortunate the opportunity to be a part of a rewarding program that they may not have been able to participate in without the scholarship program.” Camp Adventure Quest is gearing up for a great summer at the Redmond Early Learning Center thisyear, and will have access to more nutrition support and provide longer hours than in previous years. “Kids have the chance to be a part of something really great,” Princehorn says, “They meet friends, stay active, and most of all have fun building lasting friendships with positive mentors.”

For her part, Wallace observes that organizations that foster a connection with the outdoors hold a place of special importance in Oregon. “One of the most enduring values of the Pacific Northwest is its incredible beauty,” she says, “and Central Oregon, in particular, provides some of the best recreational activities.” RAPRD youth sports programs, our Adventure Quest before- and after-school program, and our summer Camp Adventure Quest help connect kids and families to Redmond’s many parks and green spaces. Time spent being active outside and in nature facilitates wellness and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle throughout all stages of life. Wallace confirms that outdoor recreation programs should be affordable for everyone to enjoy. “We fully support the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District’s Scholarships program,” she says, “there should be no barriers to allow access for everyone.”

RAPRD is honored to have been chosen for grant funding from the BNSF Foundation. Camp Adventure Quest is off on the right foot for a great summer thanks to the support of BNSF and other businesses like it that find value in investing in our community, our patrons, and our programs.

You too can climb aboard the RAPRD scholarship train! Scholarship donations help subsidize RAPRD programs like youth sports, Adventure Quest, and swimming lessons so that everyone can participate, regardless of ability to pay. To donate, click here or press the donate button!