October 23, 2023
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is awarding The Community Project grant to the City of Payette. The purpose of grant is to help the city unite community leaders and residents to create an outdoor public space that brings people together. The grant includes up to $85,000 in funding for the space, plus technical assistance to the city and an event to celebrate the project.
Payette was one of two cities chosen for The Community Project grant, which was open to applications from Idaho cities that had completed the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s Community Health Academy.
The City of Glenns Ferry is the other recipient of The Community Project in 2023.
“We are excited to begin work with the City of Payette on The Community Project,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle,
Executive Director for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “City officials show a true interest in working with a wide variety of organizations and residents to create a space that will bring people together.”
Payette Mayor Craig Jensen said The Community Project will focus on improvements at two city parks.
“I would like to thank the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health for this generous grant,” Payette Mayor Craig Jensen said. “City parks and playgrounds are not just for children. Parents and grandparents can enjoy watching children enjoy the outdoors in a safe and fun environment.”
The City of Payette will begin working with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation this month to begin a
professionally guided process that will help the city engage residents and develop a plan for the parks based on the wants and needs of residents. Recreation Director Tiffany DeFrance is leading the project for the city.
“The Community Project will accomplish the needs of bringing the community together to restore and create much-needed outdoor spaces for family recreation,” DeFrance said. “I cannot wait to provide safer, more inclusive opportunities while involving our community.”
Also, Mayor Jensen participated in the Mayor’s Walking Challenge, a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health that promotes the importance of physical activity. The challenge takes
place during October and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Participation in the annual event has increased each year, starting with 14 mayors in 2014 when the challenge was only available in the Treasure Valley. The program expanded regionally and became a statewide event in 2018.
Mayors have earned more than $519,000 for their communities in the previous nine challenges.
Idaho mayors can earn up to $1,000 for their efforts and have two options to earn funds:
* Walk an average of 5,000 steps a day during October to earn $500 for their community
* Walk an average of 10,000 steps a day during October to earn $1,000 for their community
Those funds support a variety of projects and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, including playgrounds, physical education equipment for schools, park amenities, scholarships for youth programs, and more.
Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health said that “Walking is one of the best things people can do for their health. Mayors can be role models, and walking sets a
good example about the importance of exercise and physical activity.”
