Simmons pledges $500,000 for splash pad, soccer fields

SUBMITTED
Pictured at the August 5 check presentation in Gentry are Janie Parks, executive director of Gentry Chamber of Commerce; Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston; Simmons CEO Todd Simmons; Simmons Chaplain Nick Braschler; and Simmons CAO Russell Tooley.
SUBMITTED Pictured at the August 5 check presentation in Gentry are Janie Parks, executive director of Gentry Chamber of Commerce; Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston; Simmons CEO Todd Simmons; Simmons Chaplain Nick Braschler; and Simmons CAO Russell Tooley.

SILOAM SPRINGS -- Simmons Foods announced it will provide a $500,000 donation to help fund the splash pad and soccer field projects included in the Master Parks Plan for the city of Gentry.

The new splash pad, located in the northwest quarter of Gentry's city park which lies between Main Street and Third Street, is nearing completion. The splash pad will have more than 6,000 square feet of aquatic play space featuring fountains, sprinklers and colorful sky-high water buckets. The park is designed to be inclusive for kids of all ages and abilities as well as the whole family. The soccer fields, more than a dozen in total, are scheduled to be completed later this fall.

Simmons representatives visited the site to see the progress and present the donation to Mayor Kevin Johnston this week.

During the visit, Mayor Johnston remarked, "This generous donation will allow us to complete our vision for these projects and provide wonderful recreational activities for families in our community. Simmons is a strong community partner and a great employer and we are so thankful for this donation and all they do in the collaborative effort of improving the quality of life and sense of place throughout the communities within our entire region."

In making the announcement, Todd Simmons, CEO and vice-chairman of Simmons Foods, stated, "Recreational projects like this where families and friends can come together and enjoy healthy outdoor activities are part of what makes Gentry and Northwest Arkansas a great place to live. We're proud to see the Gentry Master Parks Plan come to life and to be part of that investment."

About Simmons Foods Inc. and Affiliates

Simmons Foods and its affiliates, based in Siloam Springs, are leading suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products. Simmons works with farmers, communities and employees to apply 60-plus years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 20 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Feed Ingredients boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. To learn more, visit www.simmonsfoods.com.