Pine Bluff, AR – May 20, 2024 – The City of Pine Bluff today announced a generous donation of $25,000 for a new community park from Graphyte, an environmental technology company backed by Bill Gates that launched in the city less than a year ago. As a company committed to reversing the effects of climate change, Graphyte was inspired by sharing a mutual goal with the Pine Bluff City Council of creating a safe and healthy place for the next generation to live.
“To have a brand-new business step up so quickly to support the community they operate in is truly exceptional,” said Lanette Frazier, Ward 3 Pine Bluff City Council Member, who originally conceived of the park revitalization. “Matching our initial commitment and becoming our first corporate partner underscores Graphyte’s interest in not just doing business here, but in being a part of the fabric of Pine Bluff.”
Soon to become the world’s largest carbon dioxide removal company, Graphyte chose the Jefferson Industrial Park for its inaugural facility after meeting with the Mayor, members of the Pine Bluff City Council, as well as local farmers, timber industry workers and businessowners. Graphyte CEO Barclay Rogers has a personal connection to Pine Bluff, having spent significant time in the area while growing up visiting both sets of his grandparents who lived nearby.
“From a business standpoint, Pine Bluff sits at the unique intersection of the forestry and farming industries, which are critical to Graphyte’s supply chain. But we don’t want to operate as just another business,” said Rogers. “Choosing Pine Bluff was as much about being able to positively impact a community as it was about positively impacting the planet.”
With the addition of Graphyte’s donation, the city is hoping to break ground on the park within a couple of weeks. Including an area known previously as the Junior Babe Ruth Field, the new park will now feature not only a baseball and football field, but also a skateboard ramp, basketball court, playground, walking trail, concession stand, announcers’ box, and bleachers. There will also be a Police hub built at the park to ensure families safely enjoy all the amenities the park has to offer year-round.
“We are truly grateful to Graphyte for being the first local business to contribute to this important project, and we hope others follow in their generous footsteps,” said Mayor Shirley Washington.
Newly developed renderings of the Ward 3 multi-sport family park can be found here. An official groundbreaking ceremony will be announced in the weeks to come. Local businesses or individuals interested in contributing to the park, either through the donation of money, goods & services, or volunteer hours are encouraged to contact Council Member Lanette R. Frazier at 870-575-3619.
