Metroparks programs funded by $100,000 gift

5/2/2006

The Toledo Area Metroparks and the Toledo Botanical Gardens will offer several programs throughout the year because The Andersons recently made a $100,000 donation.

Specifically, the money will help support five specific metroparks programs, including Focus on Birds for children, to be held in May and again in October. The money also will be used to sponsor the Happy Trails 5K Run at Wildwood Preserve on June 17, the Pack the Park Family Picnic Day on Sept. 3 at various area parks, and the Autumn Adventures program Sept. 4 through Nov. 7.

The metroparks also are looking to purchase a 12-to-15-passenger tram to offer tours of the parks for those residents unable to visit off-road areas. To be known as The Andersons Park Explorer, the vehicle would join another handicapped-accessible tram now in service at Sidecut Metropark, which offers weekly tours along the Maumee.

Parks spokesman Scott Carpenter said $75,000 of the donation will be dedicated to the metroparks and about $25,000 to the Botanical Gardens.