Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and L.L.Bean Launch New Partnership To Help Residents Get Active and Discover the Outdoors

Outdoor Retailer Announces New Partnership and Gear Donation at Cobbs Creek Recreation Center on December 20

FREEPORT, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and outdoor retailer L.L.Bean will jointly announce a new partnership to support programs that will allow more people, particularly children, to enjoy outdoor recreation in the city’s many parks and natural areas. Building on programs such as Get Healthy Philly, local support of the Let’s Move! Campaign and youth engagement efforts by innovative nonprofits such as Urban Blazers, the partnership will create even more opportunities for people to live a healthy and active lifestyle in Philadelphia.

“Our children’s health improves when they are able to exercise and enjoy the outdoors all year round”

To help support these efforts and mark the beginning of the new partnership, L.L.Bean will present Philadelphia Parks & Recreation with a donation of seasonal outdoor gear, including slope sliders so children can enjoy snow-filled days in the outdoors. A group of children from the Urban Blazers program as well as other young people involved in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation programs will take part in a geocaching excursion and free ice skating at Cobbs Creek Recreation Center following the announcement.

“Our children’s health improves when they are able to exercise and enjoy the outdoors all year round,” said Mayor Nutter. “Thanks to L.L. Bean’s generous donation and leadership, many children can now play outside no matter the temperature. I encourage all residents to take advantage of Philadelphia’s great park system and outdoor spaces.”

“An appreciation of the outdoors is at the core of our values at L.L.Bean, which is why we’re thrilled to partner with Mayor Nutter and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to support programs that allow more people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the city’s many parks and outdoor recreation areas," said Steve Fuller, chief marketing officer for L.L.Bean. "In our 100th Anniversary year, we have embarked on a mission to inspire people to get outdoors and to encourage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. We hope to continue working together with the city of Philadelphia in 2013 to further this mission and provide new ways for young people to enjoy the outdoors.”

In addition to future outdoor programs offered with L.L.Bean and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, local families can continue their pursuit of outdoor recreation at local L.L.Bean retail store locations through the company’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which offer children and families the opportunity to participate in a wide range of outdoor recreation. Expert guides provide instruction at all levels, providing an easy and affordable way to learn more about a favorite activity or try something new for the first time.

For more information on ways to get your families outside this winter through L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, visit www.llbean.com. For more information on Philadelphia’s public parks and recreation areas, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrecreation.

About L.L.Bean, Inc.

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While its business has grown over the past 100 years, L.L.Bean still upholds the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. To celebrate the company's centennial, L.L.Bean is reigniting America’s passion for the outdoors, with donations of nearly $3 million to organizations that engage young people and their families in outdoor recreation. Over the past 10 years, L.L.Bean has given nearly $26 million to local, state, regional and national conservation, human service, education and arts organizations. L.L.Bean products are rigorously tested, guaranteed to last and always shipped free The 200,000 sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is the City department that is most engaged in the lives of residents and visitors alike on a daily basis. Through its programs, policies and physical amenities, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation promotes the well being of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, historically significant resources, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, along with enriching cultural and environmental programs.