is in the running for $15,000 after it placed in the top 25 in a .
The company began its “America’s Favorite Park” contest on May 23 and closed it this weekend. Riverside Park finished in 24th place with 323,766 votes. Another Connecticut site, Fulton Park in Waterbury, finished 14th.
According to the contest’s Facebook page, the company is currently in the process of evaluating votes. The top finisher will receive a $100,000 recreation grant, while second place will get $50,000 and third place $25,000. A $15,000 grant will be awarded at random to one of the parks finishing between fourth and 25th.
“I am thrilled, to say the least,” said Corina Vendetto, a member of Friends of Riverside. “Our finish surpassed my wildest imagination!”
Vendetto said the Riverside effort did not begin until June 25, and that she was impressed with the response. She said people were able to cast votes by checking into the park on Foursquare once every 15 minutes and voting online as many times as they were able to. She said the group reached out by e-mail, social media, and word of mouth.
Vendetto said supporters also transcended the differing sides of last year’s . She said several people who had been strong advocates of the sale also helped in the voting effort.
Vendetto said the money will go to the park rather than the Friends of Riverside if it is selected, but that the organization has been discussing ideas on what the money could be used for. She said these include rebuilding the pavilion and holding more events.
“The possibilities are endless as to where $15,000 can go,” she said.
