A group of over 50 youngsters gathered at South Bellevue Community Center on Wednesday morning for the presentation of a $10,000 grant from Coca-Cola as part of their “America is Your Park” Campaign, which promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for American youth. Bellevue Deputy Mayor Conrad Lee was presented with the grant at the community center, which also serves as a Boys and Girls Club.

The grant will be used to make the Challenge Course (ropes course), which already serves blind and deaf students, even more accessible to those with disabilities. Scott Andrews, who is working closely with the city officials on the planning of the new Challenge Course, said everyone involved in thrilled with the notion of being able to expand their reach even further to assist those with disabilities.

“We’re looking to expand our capacity to serve folks who have upper and lower-body mobility issues,” Andrews said. The “high” ropes course operates programs that focus on team building and problem solving, all at 40 feet above the ground.

South Bellevue Community Center and adjoining Eastgate Park was selected as the winner of the grant from the Northwest Region and is also eligible for the $100,000 grant that will go to “America’s favorite park” as voted on at livepositively.com with voting closing on Sept. 6. The park with the most votes will win the $100,000 grand prize, the second-place vote getter will receive $50,000 and the third-place finisher will earn $25,000 from Coca-Cola.