SUMMARY
Park Walk America, www.parkwalkamerica.com,
benefits people with better health, better fitness, better parks, and a better environment.
This innovative public/private partnership was developed to leverage the purchasing power of America
into support for the nation’s parks and recreational areas.
Using a unique marketing platform with leading web sites such as WebMD and the President's council on sport physical fitness nutrition,
Park Walk America (PWA) gives site visitors the latest available information on health and fitness as well as an online shopping mall that generates park funding.
The platform will also include educational materials on sustainability and what we can do to manage our energy needs more effectively and efficiently.
Fitness and major health care providers will be promoted through a listing directory in the For Your Fitness and For Your Health sections.
Park funding will be generated through business development consulting, web linkage fees, and a comprehensive array of e-commerce shopping sites.
The retail shopping model is based on the successful EDUCATE BLACK AMERICA initiative
(www.educateblackamerica.com) and Upromise (www.upromise.com)
which together have raised millions of dollars for scholarships since 1988. EDUCATE BLACK AMERICA was developed by ABC Ventures and has included many of America’s top companies as marketing partners.
Program participants have included AAA, Dow Jones, American Express, VISA, Progressive Insurance, Earthlink, Expedia, and WorldCom.
MARKETING
States and urban areas will be developed as marketing hubs for local affiliates and providers.
The pilot market project, Park Walk Baltimore, will promote the health, fitness, and park resources of the city of Baltimore while educating and promoting the public about the benefits of sustainability and encouraging practical solutions.
Park financial support will be directed into stewardship of the local park systems. The marketing platform uses a “bricks and clicks” approach with a comprehensive program that includes an American Express style Take One network, direct sales, telemarketing and e-commerce.
ABC Ventures staff will provide management of the Take One Network with assistance from representatives of local businesses, park groups, community-based organizations and nonprofits.
REVENUE POTENTIAL
The business revenue potential for parks is based on fees from advertising, web linkages, business sponsorships, and performance-based cause related marketing services provided to the retail, health care, fitness, recreation, and energy management industries.
PARK WALK AMERICA FUND
The PWA Fund will receive up to 75% of the generated revenues. Funds will be made available to nonprofits involved in park stewardship or park and recreation departments on a restricted spending basis. Participating cities and states will receive a pro rata share of Park Walk America funds based on population. Funds will be made available for non-administrative purposes only.