CENTERBURG – The Friends of Memorial Park Committee unveiled plans for a new playground at Memorial Park in Centerburg. The committee spoke at the Hilliar Township Trustee meeting on April 10, where trustees supported the design plan and location within the park.
Formed by resident Kara Staats, the Friends of Memorial Park Committee consists of both residents interested in enhancing the park as well as representatives from Knox County Area Development Foundation, Knox Public Health, Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Knox County Foundation. The committee began meeting regularly at the beginning of 2023 and selected Kinetic Recreation to design a new playground for the park.
Current equipment at the park has been in place for more than 20 years and consists of a set of swings and smaller toddler equipment, which are broken down, unsafe, have missing pieces, and are also located in the flood plain. The new playground design will be closer to the picnic shelters and ball fields, away from the flood plain. The playground is designed for children ages 12 and under and will include swings, a climbing wall, two different play structures, benches, shaded areas, and more.
“We are excited the design concept has been approved and are ready to begin the next phase of the process: fundraising,” said Staats. The committee will apply for grants and host fundraising events throughout the year. One of the first events planned is a golf outing on June 17 at the Wyandot Golf Course. In addition, a plaque will be installed at the park to recognize all major donors to the project. Donor recognition levels start at $1,000.
The committee is trying to raise $200,000, which would cover the purchase of all equipment. Should the amount raised exceed $200,000, the committee plans to set funds aside for maintenance and updates to the playground in the future. If an additional $100,000 is raised, the committee will look into a second phase of the project, adding areas with ADA accessibility.
“People are already asking how they can get involved. To save money on installation, we are planning a community build and will be asking for volunteers to spend a few days installing equipment under the direction of a Kinetic Recreation supervisor,” said Tim Ellis, committee member. “Local companies have also generously offered to donate the equipment and an operator to excavate the area, which will help immensely!”
Individuals may donate online by going to www.knoxcf.org, clicking “Donate” in the upper right corner, and selecting the “Friends of Memorial Park Fund.” To donate via check of less than $100, you can make it out to Heart of Ohio Business Association, who will be collecting donations on behalf of the committee, and mailed to 5697 Homer Road Centerburg, OH 43011. Checks $100 and over can be made out to “Knox County Foundation” with “Friends of Memorial Park” in the memo line and sent to PO Box 309, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
To stay updated on the progress of the playground and fundraising events, follow the “Centerburg Friends of Memorial Park” page on Facebook.
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