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New playground dedicated
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
The memory of a 42-year member of the board of the Potential Development Program will live on in a playground that bears his name.
The John Zedaker Memorial Playground was dedicated Thursday at the Indianola Avenue center.
Zedaker, a board member and Poland resident, died last December.
“After losing John in December 2010, I knew we wanted to do something very special to keep his memory alive at Potential Development,” said Paul Garchar Jr., the program’s executive director.
The playground, built behind the center, fit the bill.
The Potential Development Program provides education and other services for children with autism-spectrum disorder.
Garchar joked that if Zedaker were alive, he would have been the first one down the slide.
Ann Zedaker, Zedaker’s wife of 41 years, said her late husband would be delighted with the playground and would have worked hard to make it a reality.
“He was active on the board, enjoyed working with the board and thought it was a cause that was well worthwhile,” Ann Zedaker said.
Zedaker worked in the insurance business and retired from Accordia/Wells Fargo Insurance after 32 years. He operated Zedaker Pony Rides, later renamed Anjon Acres, and was passionate about riding and instruction.
Ann Zedaker said her husband got involved on the board through a friend, and it ended up as a natural fit.
“He always liked working as a teacher and a mentor,” she said.
During his time on the board, Zedaker served in every officer position before becoming chairman of the board.
Funding for the playground was provided in part by the Rotary Club of Boardman, Rotary Club of Youngstown and the Home Savings Community Foundation, according to Shellie Sabel, development officer.