Groundbreaking Marks Beginning of Renovation of Subaru South Tipp Park

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - April 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) and the Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department joined Lafayette Parks board members, Lafayette Parks Foundation board members and local governmental and business leaders for the groundbreaking of Subaru South Tipp Park this afternoon. SIA is partnering with the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department with the support of many local businesses to convert the previously deteriorating neighborhood playground into a safe, welcoming and accessible community park.

Amidst the dirt of the demolished park, SIA representatives, local officials and park staff used shovels painted by local youth to ceremoniously break ground, marking the beginning of construction on this premier neighborhood park.

“We are really excited to be able to partner with the community and develop Subaru South Tipp Park,” stated Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent, Claudine Laufman.    I know many families and children are definitely looking forward to the completion of the project and can’t wait until it is finished.  The South Tipp Park has served as a gathering point for the Ellsworth-Romig neighborhood for many years.  We look forward to continuing that tradition for generations to come.”

Research shows when children can design their own play, it builds cognitive skills.  The playground design and choice of playground equipment chosen for the Subaru South Tipp Park challenges children physically and mentally as it stimulates children to use their creativity.  Special attention was given to designing a playground that incudes surfacing and play pieces that are accessible to children of all physical abilities.

Planning for the park revitalization began in July 2012 and funds were raised through grants and donations from local businesses.  SIA led fundraising efforts through a park sponsorship campaign and hosted the “Wild Wild West Charity Games” fundraiser last fall.

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“The Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department is excited to once again work with SIA to provide such great improvements to our parks system,” remarked Lafayette Parks Board President, Maurie Denney. “We are very fortunate to have a company such as SIA in our community that is willing to step forward and help out.”

Construction for the Subaru South Tipp Park will continue through the summer with a grand opening tentatively scheduled for the fall.

About SIA

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., is the home of North American Subaru production. Models built at the Lafayette, Indiana plant include the Subaru Legacy and Outback. SIA also produces the Toyota Camry under contract with Toyota. SIA employs over 3,800 Associates, and every Associate is committed to quality, safety and environmental stewardship.  An industry leader in environmental stewardship, SIA was the first auto assembly plant in America to achieve zero landfill status, and SIA’s entire 832-acre site has been designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  SIA’s community outreach programs include providing charitable contributions and corporate sponsorships, hosting charitable events on-site, donating vehicles and vehicle parts to educational institutions and encouraging Associate volunteerism, which supports hundreds of non-profit organizations and schools throughout Indiana annually. For more information, visit www.subaru-sia.com .