There’s something to be said for passing down toys through generations.
However, one Wayne County community has playground equipment that hasn’t been updated in more than 70 years.
Town leaders are now trying to change that.
The Town of Economy and Perry Township need a boost to the local economy to provide a safe, updated recreational space for kids.
“We are excited for the opportunity to provide our community with a safe and modern playground facility,” said Perry Township Trustee Dan Hollenberg in a news release. “It is something our community deserves, especially our young families. We have grandparents in their 70s who played on the very playground equipment we are hoping to replace. I think the whole community will get behind this long-overdue project.”
Modern playground equipment offers advancements in safety and accessibility for children with physical disabilities or sensory needs.
The current playground equipment was originally part of the local school and is now on a 2.32 acre lot that includes Economy’s community center.
A crowdfunding campaign must reach its goal of raising $50,000 by 11 p.m. April 22 to receive a state match. Without a match, there will be no new playground equipment.
Wayne County government and the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County are contributing $10,000 and SugarCreek Packing Co. is contributing $5,000 toward the $50,000 goal as part of the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program.
The match would come as part of Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
Donations would be used to remove the old playground equipment at the community park that’s currently on blacktop.
Organizers say safer, more engaging play sets including swings, a ten-spin and a kid’s perch with climbing structures and slides would be installed in the grassy area of the park. Ground cover would be included in the renovation costs.
A ten spin can accommodate 10 kids of all abilities at once. They will sit, kneel or stand.
Beyond spontaneous visits from residents to the playground, Economy’s park draws crowds for events such as car shows, festivals and pork chop suppers. The park now has a fenced-in tennis/pickleball court and a basketball court, which eventually will need updating.
Individuals and businesses can send donations online.
Checks also can be made payable to Town of Economy and sent to P.O. Box 155, Economy, IN 47339.
Questions can be directed to economytown@gmail.com.
“Hoosier children should have the opportunity to safely engage in play with their peers,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the release. “The proposed improvements to Economy’s community park address that need, and I am excited to see this project take shape.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, nonprofit and government projects have raised more than $10.3 million in public funds and an additional $8.6 million in matching IHCDA funds.
How much has East Germantown raised for playground?
As of press time, 37 patrons had contributed a total of $28,582 toward East Germantown’s outdoor playground campaign, which is similar to Economy’s fundraiser.
That’s short of the $50,000 that must be raised by 11 p.m. March 25 for the town to receive a 1:1 match.
Matching funds would come from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
If funded, East Germantown plans to install two new basketball goals and resurface the existing basketball court, provide equipment for climbing, sliding and swinging, and surface nearly 3,000 square feet of playing space.
Donations can be made online, delivered to Town of East Germantown, 206 S. Milton St., or mailed to P.O. Box 248, Pershing, IN 47370. Questions may be directed to Sheila Mills at 765-914-3303.
A version of this article appeared in the February 28 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.