FOSTORIA, Ohio — Fostoria will see the city's first inclusive playground in 2025, according to a press release from Wood County Plays issued Wednesday.
Construction on the 14,000 square foot playground will begin in City Park in early 2025, with completion during the summer. The playground will be completely accessible, allowing children of all abilities to play. This includes a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, a sensory tunnel, adaptive zip line and poured rubber surfacing. Age-specific equipment for younger toddlers and older children will also be included.
To fund the playground, Wood County Plays is working to combine grant funding with community donations to meet the projected $1 million budget. The city of Fostoria has committed $50,000 to the project, and a fundraising event will take place for the community in January to raise money for the project.
“It is really gratifying that Wood County Plays has chosen Fostoria for their next inclusive playground," Don Mennel, Fostoria Council Member said in the press release. "This addition to City Park along with the Splash Pad will create a wonderful destination for families and especially children. Many thanks to all who are working to make this happen."
The playground will be constructed on the site of the former community pool and adjacent to the site of a planned splash pad, according to the press release.
WTOL 11 Meteorologist Ryan Wichman is president of Wood County Plays. In a statement, he commented on the value the project brings to local children.
"Our team is excited to be renewing our commitment to bring inclusive playgrounds to Wood County. This is a play space for everyone and every family," he said. "For the first time in Fostoria, children of all abilities will be able to play side by side with their peers."
Wood County Plays has brought inclusive playgrounds to communities like Bowling Green and Perrysburg in recent years. In January, Wichman was awarded with the Drum Major for Peace award for his efforts with Wood County Plays to bring inclusive play areas to children in the area.
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