Xcel Energy Foundation Supports Viaduct Park

The Faribault Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $25,000 from the Xcel Energy Foundation in sponsorship of the green space at Viaduct Park.

Xcel Energy Foundation has long-supported projects that renovate and protect green space, providing flourishing environments for the communities they serve.

Viaduct Park and the greenspace that surrounds it will become a natural extension of the City and State trail systems that will provide the opportunity for individuals to take a nearly 10-mile loop around the City, and to head east or west on two state trails, the Mill Towns Trail and the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail, respectively. The trail that runs along Viaduct Park – known as the Straight River Trail – also conveniently connects trail users with River Bend Nature Center, a 743-acre nature area that boasts an additional 10 miles of trail sprawled across the heavily wooded and scenic Straight River.

Viaduct Park is truly going to be a community gathering space, offering year-round recreational opportunities that range from ice skating, to cooling off in the splash pad, to hosting community events in the sprawling greenspace. With the opening of Viaduct Park, Faribault Parks and Recreation anticipates community organizations will be lining up for use of the green space to provide outdoor programming in the newest, and most regionally focused park.

The Faribault Foundation is working with local businesses and philanthropists to support and sponsor elements of Viaduct Park. There are many amenities available for sponsorship.

Here are other recent donors to the park:

·       The State Bank of Faribault: $125,000 to sponsor the gathering space.

·       Jennie-O Turkey Store: $50,000 to sponsor the concessions and skate rental area within the new event center building. 

·       Faribo Plumbing & Heating and The Schwartz Family: $25,000 to sponsor the warming room.

·       Faribault Mill: $25,000 to sponsor the warming room.

·       RJR Faribo Insurance Agency: $50,000 to sponsoring the patio surrounding the splash pad. 

·       Crooked Pint Restaurant, Faribault: $20,000 to sponsor the fire pit and benches.

Faribault Foundation is a community foundation that is focused on improving the quality of life in the Faribault area through philanthropy. Find more information at FaribaultFoundation.org or contact Laura Bock at 507-805-8800  LauraBock@FaribaultFoundation.org

Xcel Energy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries.  The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars. Learn more about the Foundation’s Focus Area Grants.