Solar energy firm RevoluSun has partnered with the Niu Valley Community Association to raise $100,000 to purchase playground equipment for a brand new community playground in Niu Valley. As a corporate sponsor, RevoluSun has joined a growing list of organizations that have given or pledged at least $5,000 to support this innovative public-private project, including the HMSA Foundation, Landscape Structures, KaBOOM!, Let's Play and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. RevoluSun will also donate $500 to the project for every solar system sold within the neighborhood in February.
"The City is currently working with the community in a unique private-public partnership to build the community's first playground," Mayor Peter Carlisle. "I applaud the efforts of this community. We are hopeful that with enough support, this long-awaited project can come to fruition during tough economic times."
The playground design was completed in January and so far the community has raised about $36,000. Supporters need to raise the remaining $64,000 by March to begin construction, with the goal to open the playground by June of this summer.
"As the only park in the Valley, Niu Valley Park is a central location for sports and outdoor activities for the entire community," said Councilmember Stanley Chang, who represents the area. "The residents have been working for several years to build this playground and I fully support this initiative."
Along with the significant monetary donation, RevoluSun plans a robust community program to help raise awareness and support of the project. They will be printing and distributing mailers, yard signs and their new street team will be encouraging Niu Valley residents to get involved and help make the new playground a reality.
Other creative fundraising strategies the Association has planned to raise money are an ice cream social in February at Bubbies Ice Cream in Koko Marina and a series of teak furniture sales. Samantha Spain, owner Bali Furnishings and a Niu Valley resident, will give a portion of the sales to the playground on purchases of brand new teak tables, loungers, and cushion boxes starting January 21.
To find out how you can help Niu Valley, please visit www.niuvalleyplayground.com. If you're interested in solar for your home and would like to take advantage of RevoluSun's additional $500 donation for each residential solar system installed, please email Iolani Lewis at Iolani@revolusun.com.