The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to announce that it has been selected to be part of the official 2012 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity Program. Applications are now available for interested runners at FranklinParkCoalition.org.
The Franklin Park Coalition mission is simple: to restore and preserve Franklin Park, a 527 historic urban green space located in the geographic heart of Boston. Through advocacy and stewardship, Coalition staff, board members and volunteers work to improve park management, public transit options to the park, park entrances, bicycle access, restoration of historic features, and more. Coalition events and programs, such as park walks, history tours, and nature programs to encourage city dwellers to discover the park's treasures; bringing back the “Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park” for free summer concerts to build community and celebrate local artists; hiring neighborhood youth for summer and school year jobs restoring the 220 acre woodlands and promoting the park; and working with community members and public safety agencies to help people feel safe in the park.
Running and Franklin Park have a long history together. According to Steve Vaitones, a member of the Coalition, the New England Collegiate Cross Country Championships have been held in the park since 1912. The current cross country course was designed and built 1989-1991 after the awarding of the cross country World Championships. USA National Championships have been held in the park throughout the twentieth century as well. The park continues to be the home for the many local high school and college program practices and various local and state meets. Most recently, the B.A.A. Half Marathon has its start and finish in Franklin Park at the George Robert White Stadium. This event will take place on October 9, 2011 and information is available at www.baa.org.
Money raised by the fifteen selected charity runners of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team will be used for salaries of four Summer Youth Conservation Crew members; equipment to be used by the Summer Youth Conservation Crew; the purchase of athletic equipment to be used on Summer Youth Drop-In Sports Nights, as well as continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis; ; refurbishment of ball fields; and repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including resurfacing or new hoops and backboards.
Julie Arrison, a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Park Coalition and author of Images of America: Franklin Park has been selected as the Marathon Charity Team Coordinator. “I couldn’t be happier to lead a group of marathoners towards two major goals—completing the Boston Marathon and awareness building for an organization that serves Boston so well.” Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass., has signed on to coach the runners for the team. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a group of athletes as they strive to complete one of the most elite marathons in the world. It’s going to be a fun, challenging time.”
For more information about how you can get involved with Franklin Park Coalition and the 2012 Marathon Team, please contact Julie Arrison, Julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.
Benefits of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team:
· Guaranteed race number for the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16, 2012
· Work with a team of runners who are committed to the mission of the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the Marathon.
· Receive a handbook with coaching support from Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and fundraising support from the Franklin Park Coalition. Online fundraising access will be provided.
· Team training runs
· A $75.00 allotment for Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team clothing.
· A kickoff team party at Doyle’s Café in Jamaica Plain, and a pre-race pasta luncheon.
· Frequent support from Franklin Park Coalition coaches and other team members on training and fundraising concerns at our Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team blog.
Responsibilities of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team:
· Raise a minimum of $4000 to support Franklin Park Coalition Children’s Services ($750 for those who have already secured their entry elsewhere)
· Be physically able to complete the Marathon in under 6 hours
· If you are local to Boston, attend Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team meetings between December 2011 and April 2012.
· $300 B.A.A. race entry fee that does not count towards your fundraising total.
Application for the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team for the 2012 BAA Boston Marathon
