Jekyll bids for No. 1
May 25, 2012 (Menafn - The Brunswick News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Jekyll Island is again striving to be America's favorite state park and officials are asking for the public's help.
Last year, the park ranked fifth in Coca-Cola's America's Favorite State Park contest, with 507,251 votes. Oak Park, in North Dakota was the ultimate winner, with more than 3 million votes.
The "America Is Your Park" campaign is in its third year and awards grants to top-ranking parks for enhancements through its contest.
People vote by going online at www.livepositively.com. Multiple votes can be cast each day, and the last day to participate is July 15.
Jekyll Island hopes to reach the No. 1 spot and earn the grant money that goes along with being America's Favorite State Park.
It's off to a good start. As of Thursday afternoon Jekyll Island held the top spot with 26,493 votes, ahead of Bastrop State Park, in Texas, at second place with 5,157 votes.
The top ranking park will be awarded a 100,000 recreation grant. Second place will receive 50,000 and the third spot will receive 25,000. One random park between fourth and 25th ranking will get a 15,000 grant.
In the final moments of last year's campaign, Jekyll Island moved quickly from eighth to the fifth spot. It was an inspirational moment for the island's management and one it hopes to continue this year.
"It was a big cheerleading moment for Jekyll Island and we're hoping to continue that cheerleading campaign," said Anna Hall, communications specialist for the Jekyll Island Authority, which operates the state park.
The authority has designated cheerleaders on its staff to motivate voting and to attract attention from fans across the country. The goal is for supporters to cast 100 votes per day, Hall said.
The authority does not know specifically what it would use the money for if it wins, Hall said, but it will be used for recreation enhancements.
"We don't have anything earmarked at the moment, but I'm sure we can find a way to use 100,000," she said. "Jekyll is a big recreation area."
VOTE
To vote for Jekyll Island as America's favorite state park, go online to www.livepositively.com and select Jekyll Island State Park. Voting ends July 15. Participants may vote as often as they wish.
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