Special-needs playground gets big boost from Youngstown Foundation

By AMANDA TONOLI

atonoli@vindy.com

CANFIELD

The Walnut Grove-A Field of Dreams project is almost halfway to its $1.3 million fundraising goal.

Walnut Grove, 8800 Columbiana-Canfield Road, will comprise half of a 20-acre parcel owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, the Henry M. Halstead Field of Opportunity, which is dedicated to serving special-needs children and their families.

Park facilities will focus on balance, climbing and swinging as well as the inclusion of sensory rooms to stimulate different types of special needs.

The Walnut Grove group’s website said the proposed playground would be the first in the area specifically for special-needs children.

Crissi Jenkins, Youngstown Foundation program coordinator, presented a $250,000 check from the Hine Memorial Fund from the foundation to Walnut Grove representatives Thursday afternoon. The Hine Memorial Fund is dedicated to helping any and all children with disabilities, Jenkins said.

“A project like this was something we absolutely wanted to be a part of,” she said.

Liz O’Hara and Shari Lewis, both of the Walnut Grove project, said they appreciate the community-based platform the project will stand on.

“We just want everyone to be a part of this,” O’Hara said.

Lewis said she thinks the project having “community grass roots” presents a wonderful opportunity for everyone to have a hand in Walnut Grove.

Walnut Grove board member Shellie Duchek said the next step is simply more fundraising.

Once the funds are in place, construction of the playground will begin in late summer 2017.

Duchek said her and a number of other board members are choosing equipment to furnish the state-of-the-art playground.

“It’s going to be a one-of-a-kind facility,” Duchek said. “The nearest one to the area is about an hour away – in the Cleveland area. It will be outdoor recreation where all kids and families can feel included.”

O’Hara referred to the project as “a dream come true for the community.”

For information on donating or Walnut Grove project, go to the website http://thewalnutgrove.com.