Congrats to the City of Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation for Receiving the Changing Lives Grant!
The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation is excited to announce the Richland Avenue Playground Renovation Project through the City of Athens, Arts, Parks and Recreation, as the winner of the first $20,000 Changing Lives grant.
“The OPRA Foundation is excited to be a part of this project and we are looking forward to how it will change the lives of those in the Athens community,” said Andy Collins, president of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation.
“We would also like to acknowledge and thank all of the applicants,” he said. “The number of well-deserving projects is astounding, and the amount of amazing work being performed all around the state is another testament to the talented and passionate people we are fortunate to work with.”
The proposed project will replace failing playground equipment that currently exists at the Richland Avenue Playground. This project will remove failing equipment, install accessible turf surfacing, install accessible and inclusive playground equipment, and install an accessible concrete path to the playground.
The playground equipment that will be purchased and installed includes a dome that can be climbed on and used as a quiet space for the overstimulated; a wheelchair accessible see-saw with 4 seats to invite collaborative play and provide an opportunity for movement-related play; swings including a swing with a harness to support those who use additional trunk support; various art and music panels at an appropriate height; a climber and slide duo with climbing, crawling, and slide opportunities; a free-standing ridable piece on a pinch-free spring; a wheelchair accessible digger to add to the existing dig area; a communication board; and a bench to add to the existing seating at the park.
The project is projected to be complete by Fall 2024.
Congratulations to our February 29, 2024 grant winners!
Program Development Grant Recipients
Adaptive Basketball Skills Camp | City of Grove City | $2,500
The Grove City Parks & Recreation Adaptive & Inclusive
Department will hold a basketball skills camp that is designed for
athletes with special needs ages 4 and older. The camp features
instruction by local high school basketball coaches and players, as well
as local special education staff. The camp promotes a fun, positive,
and inclusive environment. This camp is free for all registered
participants.
Freedom Chair (All-Terrain Wheelchair) | Licking Park District | $2,500
Licking Park District will purchase all-terrain wheelchairs for the
public to rent at no cost. This will help open up the world beyond the
pavement for persons with lower body challenges.
Nature Adventure Day | Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation | $1,610
Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation has created a free event called Nature
Adventure Day to educate the community on nature and initiatives of
participating agencies and provide activities that may not be free
and/or available at other times (ex. tree climbing).
Upgrading Streetsboro’s StoryWalk | Streetsboro Parks & Recreation | $2,250
Streetsboro Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership
with Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau, Portage County
District Library, Friends of Streetsboro Library, and Friends of
Streetsboro Parks, are in the process if upgrading the department’s
Mobile StoryWalk® program. The program brings children’s books to life
throughout the park system, with mobile signage that is relocated in
various parks throughout the Streetsboro Park System on a bimonthly
basis.
Administrative Grant Recipients
Pool Staff Training Project | Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation | $1,500
Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation will use the grant funding to provide necessary training for their 2024 pool staff, such as, lifeguard training, Water Safety Instructor training, CPR/First Aid training, Lifeguard Management training, and Aquatics Facility Operator course. Working at the City of Athens pool gives these staff a strong set of foundational work skills that are sure to be used in their future, in any area of work.
Marketing and Branding of Grove City Adaptive and Inclusive Program | City of Grove City | $1,500
Develop a program branding and marketing campaign to that will
provide awareness in the community that newer programs are being offered
for the populations served through adaptive and inclusion programming,
increase participation in the programs, and foster ideas and evaluation
from the community.
Powell Parks and Recreation Playground Communication Boards | City of Powell | $1,500
To fund two communication boards that will be located at
Village Green Park and Adventure Park in Powell. The communication
boards will encourage interactions with peers, enhance accessibility,
and increase safety for those who may communicate or express themselves
differently, or speak a diverse language. By pointing to the pictures on
the communication sign, individuals can clearly state their intended
message free of frustration or misinterpretation.
The Herbert & Patricia Wagers’ Devil’s Backbone Memorial Park – Promotional Video | Preble County Park District | $1,500
The Preble County Park District’s (PCPD) foremost need is
raising awareness. By creating this promotional video, PCPD will
achieve a greater degree of awareness in their community as well as
receive more donations, participation at events and programs, and
visitations to parks and trails.
