KENT, Wash. — April 16, 2010— American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park has been chosen as finalist for grant funding in the 2010 Partners in Preservation program.

As one of 25 historic places selected, Herbert Bayer Earthworks will compete in a month long online contest that invites the community to cast votes for the historic places they would like to see receive funding. Now through May 12, the public is encouraged to go to www.PartnersinPreservation.com to vote for and to post personal stories and photos about Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park.

Participants may vote once daily. The site receiving the most votes is guaranteed to receive funding. At the end of the voting period, American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a special Advisory Committee comprised of Seattle-Puget Sound civic and preservation leaders will review the public’s votes along with each site’s preservation needs to determine how the $1 million in preservation grants will be awarded.

Funding from this grant would allow the City of Kent to restore the sculptural and artistic elements of the Earthworks to their original design. This includes restoring the channel that runs through the split ring and connects into the double ring pond. Also included are fixing drainage in the bowls of the park and repaving pathways.

The Earthworks is not only an internationally recognized artwork and popular public park but it also serves as a water detention dam, protecting the Kent Valley from flooding since its opening in 1982. This program provides an incredible opportunity to return Herbert Bayer Earthworks Park to its initial state, combining the functional and aesthetic qualities that make it one of the area’s most unique locations.

About Partners in Preservation
Launched in 2006, Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, pledged $5.5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic places throughout the United States. American Express has already allocated $4.4 million in preservation grants and in support for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has allowed recipients to make significant progress in achieving their preservation goals.

In this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural landmarks. The program also seeks to inspire long-term support from local citizens for the historic places at the heart of their communities.

Contact:
Cheryl dos Remédios, City of Kent
206-437-8357