Lake Macbride State Park in Solon, Iowa has been awarded $10,000 and named one of the nationwide contenders eligible to receive $100,000 for enhancements through the America is Your Park Program (AIYP).  This program encourages people to visit their favorite local, state or national park this summer and vote for their park using various interactive tools for their park to win a grant to help restore or rebuild places for people of all ages to play and the title of “America’s Favorite Park.”

We need your help to alert your friends, neighbors and colleagues!

We know this voting thing has been done before and may seem daunting, but with very minimal promotions, Lake Macbride is currently in 11th place with over 15,000 votes.  Iowans love their parks and let's put some action behind those words.  A vote for Lake Macbride is a vote for all Iowa Parks!

1.       First, we’re hoping you can rally support for Lake Macbride State Park by logging on to http://livepositively.com/#/americasparks/vote, type in Lake Macbride in the Search for your park box and then cast your votes beginning today. You can vote as many times as possible until September 6^th. You do not need to register your email address in order to vote. You can also share your votes via Facebook and Twitter to encourage your friends & colleagues to vote.  1 vote=1 point in the national competition.

2.       Second, visit Lake Mcbride State Park yourself and encourage your friends and family to visit as well. If you “check in” on Facebook from the park and upload a photo or video of your outdoor experience you can earn up to 5 points for Lake Macbride in the national competition.

3.       Third, plan to join us for a very special healthy outdoors event and check presentation at the park Wednesday August 3^rd featuring Governor Terry Branstad and a host of other dignitaries. The activities will run from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and will include fitness activities, educational displays and refreshments. Coca-Cola will present a check for $10,000 to Lake Macbride State Park in a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Goal: 3 Million Votes!!  We know that you and every other Iowan appreciates having beautiful parks to play in and so we're asking all Iowans to show their support by voting, often.  Lake Macbride will serve as a pilot for ensuring healthy vending choices in Iowa state parks.  So your vote also shows your support for increasing access to healthy beverages and snacks.

Please let me know if you have questions about this program, or if you want to be involved in the healthy outdoors day on August 3^rd. Thank you for supporting Lake Macbride State Park and America is Your Park!

For information on the program please visit:  www.livepositively.com (and don’t forget to vote!).