The Avangrid Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading energy company Avangrid Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group, in partnership with Trust for Public Land, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the Alameda Community Schoolyard in Ontario, Oregon on August 27th, marking the completion of a transformational project designed to expand access to outdoor recreation for students and residents across Malheur County. The project was made possible through funding from the Avangrid Foundation.
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Students enjoying the new Alameda Community Schoolyard
“Through the Avangrid Foundation’s support of Trust for Public Land, we are helping create opportunities that strengthen communities and expand access to safe, inclusive outdoor spaces,” said Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda. “The Alameda Community Schoolyard will provide students with a dynamic environment for learning and play while serving as a valuable gathering place for residents across the region.”
“Community spaces like this create opportunities for children and families to learn, play, connect, and thrive,” said Pablo Colón, Director of Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director of the Avangrid Foundation. “The Alameda Community Schoolyard reflects what is possible when organizations come together around a shared vision for healthier, more vibrant communities.”
The project transformed an aging playground and underutilized outdoor area into a dynamic, multi-use community asset featuring an all-weather covered pavilion, inclusive playground equipment, improved gathering spaces, walking paths, shade trees, and enhanced landscaping. The schoolyard will serve approximately 350 Alameda students while providing recreational access to more than 30,500 residents throughout the region.
“From the beginning, the heart of this project has been functionality and creating space for the growth and development of our kids,” said Alameda Principal Andrea Buchholz. “Providing inclusive play structures, shade, and outside instructional areas will attract and serve our entire community for years to come.”
“The opening of the Alameda Community Schoolyard is a testament to what’s possible when a community unites to prioritize health and connection,” said Mitsu Iwasaki, Trust for Public Land Associate Vice President and Northwest Director. “This space belongs to the students, families, and neighbors who helped shape it, and it will have a ripple effect as a gathering place, boosting social cohesion for years to come.”
The Alameda Community Schoolyard is part of Trust for Public Land’s Oregon Rural Community Schoolyards program, which focuses on building community health, climate resilience, educational opportunities, and equitable access to nature in rural communities. The program aims to ensure that every child and family can experience the benefits of safe, accessible outdoor spaces close to home.
The Alameda Community Schoolyard is one of four projects supported through the Avangrid Foundation’s $100,000 support for Trust for Public Land during 2025-2026. Spanning Oregon, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, the initiative helps create and improve outdoor spaces that promote recreation, environmental stewardship, community connection, and equitable access to nature for more than 147,000 residents.
Avangrid operates more than 2.5 GW of energy generation in Oregon. The company employs about 400 people in the state, supporting operations at Avangrid facilities and the company’s corporate office in Portland.
About Avangrid Foundation: The Avangrid Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds philanthropic investments that primarily impact communities where Avangrid, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate. Since 2001, the Avangrid Foundation and its predecessors have invested more than $45 million in partnerships that focus on building sustainable, vital and healthy communities; preserving cultural and artistic heritage; advancing education; and improving people’s lives. The Avangrid Foundation is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the United States. For more information, please visit https://www.avangrid.com/avangrid-foundation.
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading energy company in the United States working to meet the growing demand for energy for homes and businesses across the nation through service, innovation, and continued investments by expanding grid infrastructure and energy generation projects. Avangrid has offices in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and Oregon, including operations in 25 states with approximately $50 billion in assets. Avangrid owns and operates seven electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. It also owns and operates nearly 100 energy generation facilities across the United States producing more than 11 GW of power for over 3 million customers. Avangrid employs approximately 8,500 people and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2026 for the eighth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit http://www.avangrid.com
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