The 2019 Sharing the Dream project was a literal breath of fresh air for Frederick Douglass Park in the Martindale-Brightwood community.
Multiple companies and organizations donated labor and supplies to transform the park’s Family Center. Nearly 300 Citizens Energy Group employee volunteers put the finishing touches, such painting and cleaning, on the family center after our partner companies completed major renovations during the weeks leading up to the Citizens’ employee volunteer event on January 17 and 18.
Among the most impactful renovations were the repair of a collapsed sewer and the installation of a new ventilation fan – both of which are improving the air quality for park employees and visitors. For years, the drains in the building either did not work at all or were slow to drain, sewer gas could not easily escape due to clogs, and the basement storage room often flooded. Partner organization Nu Flow Indy donated all time and materials and utilized innovative technology to repair the plumbing issues. And, the installation of the ventilation fan by Peine Engineering is bringing fresh, clean air into the building.
Additionally, the kitchen was completely renovated, and new carpeting, a surveillance system, and energy-efficient lighting were installed.
“It’s great what has been done,” said Kenyetta Moore, Assistant Park Manager. “Our kids deserve this. It’s really a blessing.”
Through Citizens’ Sharing the Dream project, now in its 11th year, a dozen Indy Parks facilities have received major facelifts. This annual event, Citizens’ largest employee community service project, honors the life of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When Citizens employee Tommy Roper, Customer Billing Services Representative, heard Frederick Douglass Park was selected for the 2019 project, he was very excited, as he grew up in the neighborhood and spent many afternoons and weekends playing basketball and doing arts and crafts in the Family Center.
“It was at the park’s Family Center that I heard Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s entire ‘I Have a Dream’ speech for the very first time,” said Roper. “His voice still resonated with me as soon as I stepped foot in the door to volunteer at Sharing the Dream this year.”
Roper is just one of many Citizens employees who sign up to participate in this event every year. Team Captain Diane Ashlock, Commercial Sales Consultant, said she looks forward to Sharing the Dream every year and recruits as many co-workers as possible.
“It inspires me to see their energy, their fervor, and their dedication,” said Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO, of the hundreds of employees who took part in the recent transformation at Frederick Douglass Park.
Check out a video about the 2019 project on Citizens’ YouTube channel.
Get Involved!
Asya Barnett, Accounts Payable Senior, is inspired to return to Fredrick Douglass Park to volunteer after participating in Sharing the Dream. For her, this year’s project brought back memories of playing basketball and swimming at the park as a child when she would visit her grandmother who lives nearby. If you’re like Barnett and want to continue giving back, the staff at Frederick Douglass Park would happily welcome you as a volunteer for the numerous activities and events they host, including talent shows, after-school programs, summer day camps, and a Christmas carnival. If you’re interested in learning more, call the park at 317-327-7174.
Thank You, Partners and Volunteers!
Together, Citizens Energy Group and its generous partners contributed around $600,000 in monetary and in-kind donations for the 2019 Sharing the Dream project. We want to give special thanks to Crit Crabtree of Marksmen Construction, Katie Divine and Marie Ellington of Mitsch Design, and Jennifer Mentink, with Citizens Energy Group, for their efforts to coordinate and plan this huge project! Thank you to all the Citizens volunteers, team captains, and partners.
PARTNERS
A All Star Garage Doors Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple
Ciriello Plumbing Connor Fine Painting
Chisholm Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. Denney Companies
Energy Plus Credit Union Fresh 2 Order
First Electric Supply General Communications Inc.
Grainger Greene’s Auto & Truck Service
Miller Pipeline Nu Flow Indy
One Source Peine Engineering
Pulse Electric QuickLifts
Refined Restoration Sherwin-Williams
Solace Risk Management Suburban Glass Service, Inc.
Superior Carpet The Carpenter’s Son
Trinity Security Veterans Construction Management
WaterWorks Plumbing, Inc.
TEAM CAPTAINS
Diane Ashlock Kevin Bennett
Jason Dillon Alana Gessert
Robert Guthrie Nick Helmuth
John Hopwood Keith Legge
Scott Lykins Justin Redman
John Scott Jeff Sinclair
