ASTORIA, Ore. ― Pacific Power’s charitable arm, the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, awarded a $5,000 grant to the local Tapiola Park Project.

Pacific Power donated construction equipment and almost a dozen journeymen volunteered on a Friday evening to dig holes and ready the ground for building the new playground, explained Mike Rick, Pacific Power’s operations manager for Clatsop County. 

“This project was a priority because a new playground was needed to provide Astoria’s kids a safe and nearby place to play,” said Rick.

A year ago, the main structure at Tapiola Park collapsed and was removed. As Astoria’s largest and most popular park, the community worked together to build a 15,000 square-foot playground. Local cultural and historical features were incorporated into the final design, and materials were donated and purchased. About 3,000 volunteers participated in its construction.

“From an abandoned playground with a few squeaky swings and an old teeter-totter, the entire park is now a symbol of local history and community,” said Sheila Holden, Pacific Power’s regional community manager.

The primary focus of the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning is on learning and education, while maintaining the flexibility to support other valuable community projects.

About the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning was created and incorporated as a corporate foundation in 1988 in order to become the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Utah Power. PacifiCorp and its employees have a long tradition of active involvement in the communities they serve, including charitable contributions, sponsorships of community events and in-kind donations. In June 2005 the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning awarded more than $300,000 to 42 nonprofit programs in 24 communities in Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Media inquiries:  newsdesk@pacificorp.com