School Beautification Grants Awarded To Riverside and Homestead-Wakefield Elementary Schools

(Bel Air, MD – November 25, 2008) – – Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced two School Beautification Grant Program awards. Riverside Elementary School in Joppatowne and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary School in Bel Air, each received an award from the grant program administered by the Department of Community Services.

Riverside Elementary PTA received a $10,000 grant towards the upgrade and refurbishment of the primary playground. The projected cost of improvements for the school playground is estimated at $70,000. To date, the PTA and school community have received more than $65,000 to support this project. New ADA compliant playground equipment should be installed at the school by the summer of 2009.

Homestead –Wakefield Elementary School PTA received two grants totally $9,990. One award is $5,000 towards improvements for the lobby of the school, including painting, painting of a mural and furniture assembly to replace existing furniture. The second grant totally $4,990, is for the school courtyard landscaping project.

“The School Beautification Grant Program is an excellent example of an effective government initiative that brings schools, the parent community and businesses together,” stated County Executive Craig. “We commend the PTA of Riverside and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary Schools for their hard work and commitment to our children,” Craig remarked.

School Beautification Grants are available to all schools within the Harford County Public School system, generally limited to $5,000 per project. Organizations may apply for more than one grant within the fiscal year. Grant funding provides assistance for materials or equipment only. No grant funds may be used for labor and related expenses.

The School Beautification Grant Program is designed to foster partnerships between schools, parents, local businesses and industry and the community. Funds may be awarded to support projects such as landscaping, playground improvement, painting, wildlife habitat and water quality improvements.

For more information regarding the School Beautification Grant Program, or to receive an application, visit the Harford County Government website at www.harfordcountymd.gov or contact the Department of Community Services at 410-638-3389, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.