City of Los Angeles and Coca-Cola Celebrate New Soccer Fields and Youth League Programs at Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center

LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles soccer lovers and community members now have two refreshed soccer fields to enjoy at Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center, thanks to a partnership between The City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., Coca‑Cola and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Officials were joined by community leaders, local Coca-Cola representatives and community members on Saturday, March 14, to unveil the completed soccer fields, which will provide a fun and welcoming environment for youth in the community to gather.

"Since taking office I have been committed to expanding and improving clean and green spaces in our community for families to enjoy, and Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center was one of several parks on the City's wish list. I am honored that Coca-Cola has stepped up to help refurbish these empty fields, bringing one of our most beloved sports to our neighborhood – soccer," said Councilmember Price. "This partnership demonstrates the positive impact that can happen when government and the private sector work together toward a common goal. These efforts will help ensure our youth stay active and do so in a welcoming environment."

Located south of downtown Los Angeles, the neighborhoods surrounding Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center have been a focus for the City and Councilmember Price for some time. With only a few parks in the vicinity, many in need of repairs, the City began an initiative in the area to develop open spaces for families and friends to have fun being active together. In addition to the two new soccer fields, Coca-Cola, through a partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, is providing a grant to fund clinics and youth programs. Not only will these improvements help the center serve hundreds more community members per week, they will also bring added benefits and improvements that support improved quality of life in the neighborhood.

"Thanks to the National Recreation and Park Association and Coca-Cola for partnering with us to create positive programs and healthy lifestyles," said Michael A Shull, General Manager, City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, "We have a commitment to the communities we serve and these two partners are a great example of how we can complete needed capital improvements."

"For 128 years, Coca-Cola has been inspiring moments of happiness and making a positive difference in communities we serve. The soccer fields and programs at Gilbert W. Lindsay Recreation Center are just one example of our commitment to the City of Los Angeles," said David Carey, Los Angeles Market Unit Vice President, Coca-Cola Refreshments. "We are dedicated to giving our neighbors, communities and families thriving parks and community spaces to inspire happiness and encourage everyone to get out, be active and have fun."

Hundreds of community members celebrated the Park's restoration at the Coca-Cola Family Field Day, a free event featuring field day challenges, games, music and dancing.

About The Coca-Cola CompanyThe Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, Dasani, FUZE TEA and Del Valle.  Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.  For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

About the National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 47,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

About the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation & Parks (RAP)RAP is the Los Angeles' most comprehensive social service agency, providing affordable recreation and culture based programs and activities. RAP manages 16,000+ acres of parkland within Los Angeles city limits. Some of our most famous icons include Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Exposition Rose Garden, and the Hollywood Sign. RAP has 184 recreation facilities, 31 senior centers, 368 playgrounds, 31 universal access playgrounds, 256 ball fields (15 of which are Dodger Dreamfields), 60+ soccer fields (12 of which are synthetic fields plus 3 Joga Bonito NIKE soccer fields), 100+ outdoor basketball courts, 80+ indoor gymnasiums, 43 outdoor fitness zones, 321 tennis courts, 13 golf courses, 21 skate facilities, 62 pools, 13 lakes, 12 museums, 9 dog parks, and 417 open space park properties.  Additionally, 75,000 youth participate in department organized sport leagues annually.  For 125 years, RAP has joined Angelinos through play, nature, exercise, positive spaces, and gathering places for the purpose of bettering our communities and its residents through safe, outdoor spaces, beauty and serenity, healthy lifestyles, socialization and learning opportunities, as well as, free-time fun while adding value to our lives, homes, and neighborhoods here in Los Angeles.

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SOURCE Coca-Cola