WQIO Ohio's Super Station
CENTERBURG, OH—The Friends of Memorial Park Committee unveiled plans for a new
playground at Memorial Park in Centerburg. The committee spoke at the Hilliar Township
Trustee meeting on April 10 where trustees supported the design plan and location within the
park.
Formed by local resident, Kara Staats, the Friends of Memorial Park Committee consists of both
residents interested in enhancing the park as well as representatives from Knox County Area
Development Foundation, Knox Public Health, Knox County Board of Developmental
Disabilities, and Knox County Foundation. The committee began meeting regularly at the
beginning of 2023 and selected Kinetic Recreation to design a new playground for the park.
Current equipment at the park has been in place for over 20 years and consists of a set of swings
and smaller toddler equipment which are broken down, unsafe, have missing pieces, and is also
located in the flood plain. The design for the new playground will be located closer to the picnic
shelters and ball fields, away from the flood plain. The playground is designed for children ages
12 and under and will include swings, a climbing wall, two different play structures, benches,
shaded areas, and more.
“We are excited the design concept has been approved and are ready to begin the next phase of
the process: fundraising,” said Staats. The committee will be applying for grants as well as
hosting fundraising events throughout the year. One of the first events planned is a golf outing on
June 17 at the Wyandot Golf course. A plaque will be installed at the park to recognize all major
donors to the project. Donor recognition levels start at $1,000.
The committee is trying to raise $200,000, which would cover the purchase of all equipment.
Should the amount raised exceed $200,000, the committee plans to set funds aside for
maintenance and updates to the playground in the future. If an additional $100,000 is raised, the
committee will look into a second phase of the project, which would add in areas with ADA
accessibility.
“People are already asking how they can get involved. In order to save money on installation, we
are planning a community build and will be asking for volunteers to spend a few days installing
equipment under direction of a Kinetic Recreation supervisor,” said Tim Ellis, committee
member. “Local companies have also generously offered to donate the equipment and an
operator to excavate the area, which will help immensely!”
Individuals may donate online by going to www.knoxcf.org, clicking on “Donate” in the upper
righthand corner, and selecting the “Friends of Memorial Park Fund”. To make a donation via
check of less than $100, you can make it out to Heart of Ohio Business Association, who will be
collecting donations on behalf of the committee, and mailed to 5697 Homer Road Centerburg,
OH 43011. Checks $100 and over can be made out to “Knox County Foundation” with “Friends
of Memorial Park” in the memo line and sent to PO Box 309, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
To stay updated on the progress of the playground and stay updated on fundraising events, follow
the “Centerburg Friends of Memorial Park” page on Facebook.
