Marion, OH - The community of Marion came together almost 30 years ago to build Project Playground. This large wooden structure was one of the largest community projects in our town’s history. It was the gem of all of the playgrounds in Marion for many years. Unfortunately, given its 20-year life span it is beyond its safe end of use. It is very difficult to maintain and no longer meets minimum ADA compliance. The Marion City Parks Department has worked hard to keep a safe and usable structure but it now must be dismantled. This leaves a huge void in McKinley Park! With 13 other playgrounds in the city, there just aren’t available funds in the budget to build a replacement structure.
This is where Marion PEP (Parks Enhancement Project) Club comes into play. We’re a 501c3 non-profit organization with community members just like you! We have a desire to work with the City of Marion to create safer play environments that address physical, social, and emotional needs. Our board originated from like-minded individuals from Marion Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Leadership! Marion class. We and our collaborators Marion Rotary Club, Marion Community Foundation and many others have worked tirelessly for over three years to not only provide a new playground, but to provide an all-inclusive structure for people of all abilities. This will be the only playground of its kind in Marion or any of the surrounding counties! Located in front of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, it is imperative that a community friendly structure is provided. This allows local citizens, and visitors of all means to relax and allow their children a much-needed break.
By installing this equipment, we can be included as a National Demonstration Site which will place Marion in a nationwide database search of inclusive playgrounds. Our initial search indicated that only 14 of these sites exist in the entire state of Ohio. Only 3 are in the Greater Columbus area. We have the opportunity in Marion to be found by those seeking an inclusive play experience. Selected structures target different age groups. A toddler area targets younger children (2-5 years) and a larger one serves kids 5 and up.
Our goal is placement by mid-October. Deconstruction is slated to begin on Wednesday, August 5th, allowing the site time to settle. It’s not too late to gather your family for some final pictures and memories of Project Playground, knowing that with the Marion Rotary Centennial Playground the best is yet to come!
To learn more about Marion PEP Club, please follow us on Facebook or contact us at marionpepclub@gmail.com.