Here’s video of the complete press conference. Please note that there was no amplification, but you should be able to hear the participants clearly by turning up your volume a bit. Photos were also taken and will be posted later tonight or tomorrow. A poll question is at the bottom of this post.
Press Release from the City of Fort Wayne:
The City of Fort Wayne, Parkview Health and Hardball Capital today announced that Parkview has agreed to become the signature partner for the new downtown Harrison Square development. Parkview has agreed to make an annual commitment of $300,000 per year ($150,000 of which will be contributed directly to the City’s Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund) for at least the next ten years. The new downtown ballpark will be known as Parkview Field.
“Parkview is making a tremendous investment in this community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This commitment by one of Fort Wayne’s leading healthcare institutions is a shot in the arm for the success of Harrison Square and the healthy, energizing effect this project will have on our downtown. This is yet another example of Parkview offering its time, talent and financial resources to help improve our community.”
“We are excited about our long-term partnership with Parkview,” said Jason Freier, CEO, Hardball Capital.” There are tremendous opportunities for us to work together to make Harrison Square a success and to further Parkview’s mission in the community. We would like to thank Parkview for this show of support.”
“Parkview is excited to be a partner in this signature downtown development that is vital for our community’s future,” said Mike Packnett, President and CEO, Parkview Health. “Harrison Square will enhance Fort Wayne’s role as an economic development and quality of life leader. We must strengthen the heart of our community to promote job growth and retention and new business opportunities. As the area’s not-for-profit hospital system, we are committed to the health and wellness of our community and want do to everything possible to have a vibrant Fort Wayne.”
Parkview is a strong partner in the community and in 2007 returned $100 million to the communities it serves to support numerous health and wellness activities that benefit thousands of residents in northeast Indiana.
Parkview’s investment in the Harrison Square project will total $3 million over the ten year initial term. Half of that investment will go directly into the City of Fort Wayne’s Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund, which will assure that Parkview Field remains a first-class facility and an asset to downtown Fort Wayne and the surrounding community.
In addition to the ballpark being named “Parkview Field,” Parkview Health will receive a seat on the Board of Advisors that oversees both Parkview Field and the employment of the Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund.
Parkview and the soon-to-be-renamed Fort Wayne Wizards will also be collaborating on numerous health-related initiatives at Parkview Field. They include health and fitness education and activities, blood drives, cholesterol, blood pressure and other health screenings, tobacco cessation, trauma prevention, bicycle safety, and other safety education programs, as well as healthy food choices developed by Parkview nutritionists and the Parkview Heart Institute.
“We look forward to teaming up with Parkview and tapping into their resources to make the experience at Parkview Field the best in minor league baseball and to deliver on the promise of the new facility as an asset for the entire community,” said Mike Nutter, Fort Wayne Wizards General Manager.
Later this fall the logo for Parkview Field will be unveiled to the community, and following that, permanent signage identifying the ballpark will be erected on each of the ballpark’s major entrances as well as directional signage around downtown and on major arteries leading into the city. Parkview Health will also be designated as the ballclub’s “Official Hospital Partner.”
The first official game at Parkview Field will be April 16, 2009 at 7 PM. Parkview Field has also been awarded the 2010 Midwest League All-Star Game.
Parkview Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health system that serves northeast Indiana, western Ohio and southern Michigan. Parkview is home to the region’s only Verified Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center. Additional services include the Samaritan Flight Program, Parkview Heart Institute, the Orthopaedic Hospital at Parkview North, a Certified Stroke Center, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Outpatient Services Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center. As the area’s largest employer with more than 6,000 full and part-time employees, Parkview’s mission is to provide quality health services and improve the health of the communities it serves.
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Related websites:
Parkview Health
Harrison Square
Related Images:
