BENSENVILLE, IL,
Aug. 9, 2011
(Market Wire) -
Boise Inc announced today that the first urban park re-development site through the company's Project UP program will be in Indianapolis, Ind. Project UP aims to transform distressed urban spaces into revitalized green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Boise founded Project UP this year as an extension of the Boise® ASPEN® brand of recycled papers and the company's ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. "The Boise ASPEN brand strives to unlock potential. Just as recycled content papers unlock the potential of what some consider waste paper, urban parks unlock potential in cities and communities," said Terry Stepney, Boise ASPEN brand manager. Project UP is funded through the sales of Boise ASPEN 30, ASPEN 50 and ASPEN 100 recycled papers. For each carton of paper sold, a portion of proceeds are donated to community planting initiatives such as National NeighborWoodsTM Month events and individual, Boise-sponsored park development projects.
In partnership with the Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) and local ACTrees member organization Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB), Boise identified an area in need of restoration near downtown Indianapolis, at the Northwest corner of 29th Street and Capitol Avenue called Highland Vicinity Park that fit the vision of Project UP. "When Boise approached us with Project UP, we knew KIB would be an ideal partner and they happened to have a great opportunity available for Project UP's inaugural park," said Leland Milstein, ACTrees Program Director. "We are thrilled to kick off National NeighborWoodsTM Month 2011 with this Project UP event." The corner was previously occupied by a gas station that has since vacated the property and borders a historic residential neighborhood and nearby Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
Area residents have long desired change for the empty lot and turned to KIB for assistance. KIB is a non-profit organization whose mission is to unite people and build community by transforming public spaces through aesthetic and environmental improvement. "We received the application from the residents in 2008; however, we were only able to work on one corner of the intersection with the funds available," said Matt Hostetler, KIB Greenspace Director. "Through Project UP, the largest corner of this intersection will now be transformed into a usable green area for the community and visitors to the Indianapolis area."
"Increasing green space in Indianapolis is a priority in our efforts to become one of the most livable, sustainable cities in the Midwest," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. "Partnerships such as this bring together resources that enhance our neighborhoods and improve public health and quality of life. We are proud to be the first community selected by Boise for its Project Up urban spaces revitalization program. "
The new Highland Vicinity Park will include a variety of trees and bushes, most being native to the region, as well as a pathway through the park, benches, waste receptacles and a unique shade structure to add a useful and decorative element. Restoration of the space is set to begin mid-August, with the park completion events taking place on September 24, 2011.
About Boise Inc.
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Boise Inc. manufactures packaging products and papers including corrugated containers, containerboard, label and release and flexible packaging papers, imaging papers for the office and home, printing and converting papers, newsprint, and market pulp. Our employees are committed to delivering excellent value while managing our businesses to sustain environmental resources for future generations.
About Alliance for Community Trees
National NeighborWoodsTM Month is a program of Alliance for Community Trees, the national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and livability of cities by planting and caring for trees. With nearly 200 member organizations in 42 states and Canada, ACTrees engages volunteers to take action to improve the environment where 80% of people live -- in urban areas. ACT member organizations have planted over 15 million trees nationwide with help from over 5 million volunteers.
About Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization uniting people to build community and transform public spaces through aesthetic and environmental improvement. In 2010, KIB engaged nearly 40,000 volunteers on 500 community improvement projects.
