CAPITAL CASCADE TRAIL
CAPITAL HEALTH PLAN DONATION ANNOUNCEMENT DECEMBER 5, 2007

Blueprint 2000 kicked-off their Fundraising Campaign for Cascade Park Amenities by announcing the first Community Partner for Capital Cascade Trail on December 5, 2007. Continue to read to view the fundraiser press release.

Cascade Park $10 Million Capital Campaign Off and Running
As First Philanthropic Partner Funds 2.3-Mile Fitness Trail

Completed Drawings for 13 Amenities Take Park Redevelopment to Next Level
During Kickoff Announcement by State, Community, Business Leaders

TALLAHASSEE, FL — December 5, 2007 — Redevelopment plans for Historic Cascade Park moved from vision to reality today with the kickoff of a $10 million fundraising campaign and announcement of the first major donor to fund one of the 13 park amenities.

State Rep. Loranne Ausley and community volunteer Janet Hinkle, serving as Capital Cascade Council fundraising co-chairs, joined Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Leon County Commissioner and Intergovernmental Agency Chair Ed DePuy and representatives of Blueprint 2000 in thanking Capital Health Plan for the $662,000 donation to build the 2.3-mile multi-use fitness trail. Drawings for 12 other amenities, including a stage and 4,000-seat amphitheatre, cascading waterfall, dog park, interactive water play plaza and misting fountain honoring the historic African-American Smokey Hollow community, also were unveiled.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2008 and completed by the end of 2010.

The announcement was made in the shadow of the Capitol and alongside Florida’s historic Meridian Marker, the base point for all land surveys in the state, and located within the boundaries of the 22-acre Cascade Park. Named after the Cascades, a deep ravine with a tumbling waterfall that was discovered in October 1823, the park is the reason why Tallahassee is Florida’s capital city, said State Historic Preservation Officer Fred Gaske, and should be celebrated as a significant piece of history. “I’m proud to say that now, almost 200 years later, we will finally restore this historic land in a way to properly celebrate and honor its legacy,” said Ausley, noting that approximately $26.3 million already has been dedicated to complete infrastructure and storm water issues. “This is a wonderful example of how a community can benefit from successfully engaging public/private partnerships.”

Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, chief medical officer of Capital Health Plan said CHP is sponsoring the Fitness Trail because of its value in improving community health. “Tallahassee has been our hometown for 25 years and as we celebrate our anniversary, we hope this investment will contribute to the well-being of the entire community,” said Dr. Van Vessem. ‘We also believe it will serve as a cost-saving prescription for improved community health and that the Fitness Trail will be an appealing way to add 30 minutes or more of daily exercise into the lives of thousands of residents. Capital Health Plan estimates that during the time the Park will be under construction, they will spend an estimated $1.5 billion on members’ healthcare, primarily on “rescue care” for health issues related to members’ lifestyle choices. Research shows that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can help reduce blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes, and lower cholesterol – all resulting in improved health and reduced healthcare costs.”

Blueprint 2000 Executive Director Jim Davis applauded Capital Health Plan for taking the lead in the $10 million fundraising campaign. Davis also commended SunTrust, Capital City Bank Group and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for generous financial support for preliminary planning and design services.

With another $10 million still to be raised, Hinkle called upon business and civic leaders to ensure the educational and historical legacy of the park for future generations.

“I encourage each of you to passionately embrace this project and diligently share its story,” Hinkle said. “From thousands of land surveys throughout the state beginning at this prime meridian marker to the countless stories shared by members of the Smokey Hollow African-American community to the warm memories of hundreds of former baseball players at Centennial Field, Cascade Park has played many roles in many lives over many decades.”

All 13 planned amenities are unique in design and function (see attached media kit for full descriptions and renderings) and are available for sponsorship.

A sampling of the amenities include:
The Meridian Monument Plaza & Stage with Amphitheatre (seats 3,500 -4,000)
Cascade Waterfall
Smokey Hollow Misting Fountain
Centennial Field Commemorative Plaza
Interactive Water Play Plaza
Bone Hill Doggy Park
Boca Chuba, Artistic Stormwater Control Feature

To request a presentation about Cascade Park and learn about sponsorship opportunities contact:
Gail Stansberry-Ziffer
Ziffer Stansberry Advertising and Public Relations
Phone 850.668.0010 or gail@ZiffBerry.com

Other related links:

Community Participation Plan (CPP)
Capital Cascade Trail – Segment 2 Public Meetings
Capital Health Plan Donation Announcement - December 5, 2007