Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Inclusive Playground topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and staff push for inclusive Library Park playground; fundraising and grants needed
Summary
Abby, the police prevention/outreach coordinator, proposed an inclusive playground for Library Park and described community fundraising and partner interest; equipment costs were estimated at $400,000–$800,000 and fundraising could take 18–24 months. The committee discussed forming a steering group and restarting grant work after a federal funding source fell through.
Abby (Speaker 6), identified at the meeting as a prevention and outreach coordinator in the police division, presented community interest and early planning for an inclusive playground at Library Park, saying the city currently lacks a fully inclusive playground. "Equipment can cost anywhere from 400 to $800,000," she told the committee, and added that large‑scale equipment should not be borne solely by the city but could be financed through community fundraising and partnerships.
Abby said she has been in contact with regional partners including Wood County groups that have supported inclusive sites in nearby communities. She offered a 75‑page packet of information to the committee and recommended forming a steering committee; Speaker 1 and other members discussed forming a fundraising vehicle and pursuing grants, noting a previously anticipated federal funding source had been pulled and the project would therefore need a renewed grant strategy and possibly phased implementation.
Speaker 7 said he had previously drafted paperwork related to a donation vehicle (an LLC filing but not completed as a nonprofit) and offered to help revive the process for accepting contributions. Committee members agreed further outreach and a clearer phase list would be helpful before committing city funds or formal design work.
No formal funding decision was made. Next steps: staff and community partners will refine fundraising strategies, share Abby's packet with the committee, and consider forming a steering group to lead outreach and grant‑seeking.
