2015 American Trails National Trails Award Nomination
Corporate Category
East Bay Regional Park District
Recreational Equipment, Inc.
Since 1976, REI has provided more than $44 million to nonprofit organizations to steward and enhance America’s outdoor spaces. Between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2014, REI donated $7.2 million to more than 500 local and national groups that take care of our parks and trails. REI is somewhat unique in that while they are a major funder of park and trail programs nationwide, the funding process begins will local store teams, who endorse nonprofits with whom they have forged meaningful partnerships. It is a great credit to REI that while their annual park and trail stewardship grants total millions annually, the average grant is typically in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. This provides critical support to small, local nonprofits that provide “hands on” support to park and trail managers nationwide. A list of 2013 grant recipients is attached as Exhibit 1.
East Bay Regional Park District is fortunate to have been a long-time recipient of REI support. In the last five years, REI has provided over $100,000 to support EBRPD’s Ivan Dickson Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program and other stewardship efforts, supporting thousands of volunteer hours and dozens of trail projects. REI is also unique in that they don’t just send a check. REI staff shows up for trail workdays in force, bringing volunteer acknowledgements, tee shirts (“Get Dirty!”) and raffle items. And REI’s corporate headquarters requires a detailed follow up report each year from all recipients, ensuring accountability and excellent value for their grant dollars. In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, REI supports the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, Volunteers for Outdoor California and Save the Bay as well as EBRPD.
Nationally, recent projects supported by REI grants include:
· The Atlanta BeltLine, a network of multiuse trails that reuses 22 miles of historic railroad corridor connecting 45 neighborhoods surrounding downtown Atlanta. The Eastside Trail is the first completed project in the former rail corridor, connecting people to parks and trails and improving Atlanta’s health and quality of life.
· Western North Carolina Alliance: A grant from REI helped support the construction of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. The paddle trail is a new recreational opportunity enjoyed by hundreds of locals and tourists each year.
· The Tahoe Rim Trail: The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, snowshoers and equestrians. REI funding supported the training of more than 700 volunteers who provided free guided hikes and helped build and maintain this precious resource.
Exhibit 1 is a page from REI’s website highlighting recent grants. Exhibit 2 is a detailed listing of 2013 grant recipients. Exhibit 3 is a photo montage of REI-supported trail maintenance projects in the East Bay Regional Park District. According to REI CEO Jerry Strizke, “(Stewardship) represents an important opportunity for REI to be accountable to our members and our community, and an invitation for you to join us in caring for the places where we play, work and live.” As you can see from the photo identified as “Photo 2,” Jerry, like everyone else at REI, practices what he preaches!
As an honored recipient of REI support for many years, East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to nominate Recreation Equipment, Inc. for a 2015 corporate award from American Trails.