Is Oakhurst Park America's Best?

The Coca-Cola Company has launched a contest for America's best park, and there is a movement underway in Decatur to make Oakhurst Park the recipient of the company's cash prize.

As part of its Live Positively initiative, the company's 2nd annual Vote for Your Favorite Park contest will give a total of $175,000 in grants to the top three vote getters. The three parks that receive the most votes by Sept. 6, 2011, will be awarded recreation grants of $100,000 for first place; $50,000 for second place; and $25,000 for third place.

The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association has launched an online campaign to make Oakhurst Park a winner in the contest.

"I like the neighborhood feel," one e-mailer told Decatur Patch. "Anytime kids go play there it is a positive interaction with neighbors. It has good event space, a good field, basketball court, tennis courts & the playground. It has something for everyone. The money would be a great boost for the city."

Voting is taking place from now through Sept. 6, and you can vote as many times as you like for your favorite park.

Coca Cola's campaign was developed in collaboration with the National Park Foundation, America’s State Parks and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Last year, with more than 1.6 million votes cast by its supporters, Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely, Minnesota, was named “America’s Favorite Park.” The park is using the recreation grant to build a new warming hut to ensure safety and comfort for winter sports enthusiasts all season long.