Schaller Auto World Fund Supports City Parks Initiative
$10,000 Gift to Fund Fit Trails System at Walnut Hill Park
The Schaller Auto World Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has donated $10,000 to the City of New Britain’s Parks and Recreation Department in support of Walnut Hill Park’s Fit Trails System. Participating in the February 7 announcement were, left to right, Community Foundation President Jim Williamson, Mark Smith and Art Schaller, Jr., of Schaller Auto World, New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart and New Britain Parks and Recreation Department Director Bill DeMaio.
One of the nation’s finest municipal parks systems has received a major boost designed to promote healthy, active lifestyles for New Britain families.
The Schaller Auto World Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has designated $10,000 in support of the City of New Britain Parks and Recreation Department’s Fit Trails System at Walnut Hill Park. The announcement was made by New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart, Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Richard Lorch and Vice Chairman Paul A. Shaker, Jr.
The Fit Trails System, scheduled for completion this spring, will include 10 fitness stations in a one-mile loop in the park for use by the public.
“The New Britain Parks and Recreation Department thanks Art Schaller, Sr., Art Schaller, Jr. and Mark Smith of Schaller Auto World for their outstanding civic generosity,” said New Britain Mayor Timothy T. Stewart. “The Schallers have been an intricate part of the community for years, and this generous sponsorship showcases how a local business gives back to its community.”
“Schaller Auto World and the entire Schaller family are thrilled to provide this important funding to enhance recreational opportunities and quality of life for New Britain’s children and families,” said Art Schaller, Jr. “The New Britain parks system is recognized as among the finest in the nation, and we are proud to play a role in fostering its continued growth and development.”
The Fit Trails System at Walnut Hill Park will be dedicated during the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Step Up to Health” jamboree April 8 at Walnut Hill Park. A permanent sign acknowledging the Schallers’ important role in supporting the system will be unveiled. According to New Britain Parks and Recreation Department Director Bill DeMaio, the sign will be seen by more than 300,000 walkers, joggers, roller bladers, cyclists and park enthusiasts who utilize Walnut Hill Park on a daily basis.
“This donation further distinguishes the outstanding quality of life New Britain offers, and will enable thousands of New Britain residents to exercise freely and elevate their level of personal health,” said DeMaio.
Since its founding in 1953, Schaller Auto World has exemplified a good corporate neighbor. The Schaller Auto World Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain was established in 2003 in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary. The fund is designed to benefit programs and services for children and youth.
“As custodians of the Schaller Auto World Fund, the Community Foundation is proud to be a part of this important initiative,” said Community Foundation President Jim Williamson. “This is a perfect example of how a donor-advised fund such as the Schaller Auto World Fund can be designed to directly benefit projects and causes of interest to the donor.”
The New Britain Parks and Recreation Department is actively seeking additional sponsorships for a second Fit Trail System to be installed at Stanley Quarter Park. According to DeMaio, there is one more opportunity to sponsor the Stanley Quarter Park Fit Trail. Sponsorships are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be spread out over a period of time in increments acceptable to the donor.
Any individual, business, civic group or charitable organization interested in this unique opportunity is encouraged to call Bill DeMaio at (860) 826-3364. For information on Parks and Recreation Department programs and services, call the Recreation Hotline at (860) 826-3360 or visit the Parks and Recreation Department website at www.new-britain.net/recnpark/.
For more information on the Foundation, please call (860) 229-6018.
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