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Community Playground Holds "Open Field"
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(above) Free food and sunny skies greeted visitors to the proposed playground
site.
(below) Rick Lewis points out details of the playground to State Rep Phil
Hinkle |
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| Photos by Jay Thompson |
(posted June 16)
Although most people would not get excited about seeing a small section
of mowed weeds in a vacant field, there was lots enthusiasm among the hosts
and visitors at Saturday's playground preview. City County Councilor Janice
McHenry and State Representative Phil Hinkle attended the June 14th event,
held to increase community awareness of the proposed playground featuring
handicapped accessibility.
The playground, part of a community outreach mission by Chapel Rock
Christian Church, will be nestled within the Ben Davis Youth Sports Complex
at 21st Street and Girl School Road. The playground will complement
the youth sports activities of football, soccer, and softball.
Hinkle said the idea of building the playground is "fantastic",
stating the design for all handicapped accessibility is "forward thinking."
He said that Wayne Township lacks a major family park and this proposal
could fit the need.
According to project manager Dale Deem, the goal is to involve the whole
community to take part in development. The goal is to raise $500,000 of
private money to fund the project. The committee does not want to rely
on public funds. Deem said they have provided for grounds maintenance in
the $500,000.
Deem also wants the community involved to help with networking to raise
funds. Deem said the biggest hurdle is removing the image that this is
just a church driven project. Deem said the playground's name will be determined
by the youth since they are using it. The architect firm Leather &
Associates involved the youth's ideas into the design concepts.
Hinkle noted that everyone is just seven people away from knowing everyone
in the world, so he reassured Deem that it can be accomplished.
The fund raising committee has already launched its first campaign by offering
the community the ability to buy a picket fence slat for $25. The donor's
names will be placed on the slats that will surround the playground.
Cheri O'Day of Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township said playground
would beneficial to school's life skills students that have disability
issues.
McHenry said the park proposal is a great idea. She invited Deem to her
June 28 town hall meeting to share the project with the community.
Deem shared that the long-term vision is to add a picnic ground with tables,
shelter house or gazebo.
McHenry like the idea that families could picnic together and have a place
to stay in between games. McHenry also touted the church's "Fifth
Quarter" program that provides a safe place of activities and fun
for students after Ben Davis football games.
Darrell Puckett invited the public to become involved by contacting him
at 317.908.6056.
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