The south playground at Parma Town Park has served the community well, but is aging and wearing quickly to a point where it presents some serious safety concerns. In order to ensure safety of users, as well as enhance quality of life, Hilton-Parma Parks & Recreation came to the determination that removal and replacement of this structure is a necessary priority. With community support, the goal is to build a unique, state-of-the-art, 7,400 square foot playground in its place to be ready for use in the spring of 2021.
Playgrounds, like any structure, have a life expectancy. The current playground equipment is 25 years old and inadequate in a number of ways. It may look good at a glance, but according to Hilton-Parma Parks & Recreation, there is a lot that the untrained eye does not see. Over the past several years, band-aid repairs have been made and areas boarded up only for users to remove and expose said areas, putting themselves, and the town at risk.
The plan is to install new equipment to make the playground a place where children will have the safe, stimulating, inclusive, and healthy opportunities to play, especially during this pandemic. The total budget for the project is $220,000, but to make this plan a reality, some assistance is needed to help offset the cost.
The Friends of Hilton-Parma Parks & Recreation are seeking private donations of any amount. Visit the Friends’ Playground Fundraising Page at https://fundrazr.com/c1kbBe?ref=ab_49noA6 to donate. Contributors will be invited to participate in a Virtual Donor Party where all supporters will be recognized and have the opportunity to win prizes. A fundraising goal of $25,000 has been set. Any funds raised above and beyond the fundraising goal will go towards additional enhancements, such as accessibility surfacing and shade structures.
The Town of Parma is also seeking corporate sponsorship with different suggested sponsorship amounts and a variety of benefits to participating sponsors. Email Parks and Recreation Director Tom Venniro at tvenniro@parmany.org for more about corporate sponsorship.
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