Funding from Staples, Inc. to Create a New Merino Park Playground

Providence, RI (May 19, 2008) – The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, along with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America, today announced they have received a donation of $53,000 in playground equipment from Staples, Inc., (NASDAQ: SPLS) the world’s largest office products company.

Funding from Staples will allow for the construction of a new playground in Merino Park in Providence. An additional contribution to rebuild the park was given by Providence Councilman John Igliozzi on behalf of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. This rebuild is part of the Fred Lippitt Woonasquatucket River Greenway Project, an initiative to restore parks, and revitalize rivers and natural resources in some of the more disadvantaged areas of Providence.

“Merino Park’s existing playground equipment is extremely limited given the number of children in the area,” said Lisa Aurecchia, program director of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. “The support received from Staples will enable us to rebuild the park and provide more than 300 children in the community with a safer, more vibrant place to play every day.” 
 
“Staples recognizes the positive impact recreational activities can have on childhood development,” said Joe Doody, president of North American delivery for Staples, Inc.“As a company headquartered in New England, we are committed to supporting communities in our own backyard and to ensuring that Providence children have a safe environment to play and grow.”

The ceremony to announce the rebuild of the Merino Park Playground will take place on Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00 p.m. in Merino Park located at Heath Street and Hartford Avenue in Providence. Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline will join Joe Doody, president of North American delivery for Staples, Inc.; Don Ralph, senior vice president of logistics of North American delivery for Staples, Inc.; Providence Councilman John Igliozzi; Richard Rose, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Department of Justice; local students from area preschools and middle schools; and more than 300 volunteers from Staples, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the Providence Parks Department and KaBOOM! to dedicate the new playground.

“Through Staples’ generous support, KaBOOM! is a step closer to achieving our goal of providing a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America,” said Darell Hammond, CEO and co-founder of KaBOOM!. “This playground will serve as yet another testament to what can be achieved when communities join together in the spirit of helping children.”

About Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

The mission of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is to promote the restoration and preservation of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed as an environmental, recreational, cultural and economic asset of the state of Rhode Island. 

Providence Parks Department

In the last ten years, the Providence park system has grown at a rapid pace and now consists of 1,200 acres and 112 park spaces: 97 neighborhood park spaces; 11 downtown parks; the North Burial Ground and Locust Grove cemeteries; and Roger Williams Park.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world’s largest office products company. With 76,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2007 sales of $19.4 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 2,000 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

About KaBOOM! 

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.  Since 1995, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct more than 1,400 new playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America.  KaBOOM! also offers a variety of resources, including an online community, regional and national trainings, grants, publications and the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play, which includes Playful City USA and the Playmaker Network – a national network of individual advocates for play.  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM! also has offices in Chicago, Atlanta and San Mateo, Calif.   For more information, visit www.kaboom.org.

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