ST. MARYS — An all-abilities playground, designed to be accessible for all children, has been unveiled along East Bank Road on Grand Lake St. Marys. The Lake Improvement Project (LIA), alongside numerous community donors, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new addition.
Brian Miller, president of the Lake Improvement Association, stated that the playground is for all children of all abilities to enjoy the state park, noting that the needs of all are sometimes overlooked. The creation of this inclusive space was prompted by many community members and organizations recognizing a clear need to ensure all children feel welcome in recreational areas.
To ensure its uniqueness and accessibility, the playground incorporates specific features including wheelchair ramps and a padded rubber ground. Miller further explained the specific choice of a “port-in-place rubber” surface. He indicated that this material allows for easy passage by wheelchairs or walkers, unlike traditional mulch, making the playset features accessible to anyone.
Beyond the physical attributes, the design process for the playground also incorporated input from the community. Cary Roehm, director of special education and student services for St. Marys schools, emphasized the significance of the new facility, noting that its accessibility is “huge” for children with various needs, particularly those who are immobile or use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Another key partner in bringing the playground to fruition was the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Auglaize DD). Renee Kohler, superintendent of Auglaize DD, affirmed the organization’s commitment to community collaboration and promoting inclusion. Kohler noted that Auglaize DD provides a “lifetime of support for people with healthy facilities” from infancy through adulthood.
In conjunction with the ribbon-cutting, the Lake Improvement Association also held its 35th annual fishing derby, an event specifically for developmentally disabled children. Miller indicated that the timing of the ribbon cutting and the fishing derby was deliberate, explaining that getting the playground finished in time for the children's fishing event was a key goal, as the two activities complement each other.
The establishment of this inclusive playground in the St. Marys area serves as a visible example for children and their parents of the concrete steps local organizations are taking to foster a welcoming environment for everyone.
Numerous other donors contributed to the all-abilities playground project. These included St. Marys Eagles FOE 767, American Legion Posts 241 and 323, First Financial Bank, Grand Lake Family Dentistry, and the Grand Lake Recreation Club. Additional support came from Jamie and Michelle O’Neal, Anne Katterhenry, Leugers Insurance, Minster Bank, and the Sons of American Legion 241. Further contributions were made by the South Shore Sportsman Club, St. Marys Community Foundation, St. Marys Foundry, St. Marys Kiwanis, St. Marys Rotary, The People’s Bank Co., and VFW Post 9289. Their collective efforts made the inclusive playground a reality for the St. Marys community.