The City of Marysville is replacing the Eljer Park playground next year, but with the help of a local charity, the project see a big upgrade.
Doug Francis, with the Hope Matters Project, spoke to the city’s parks and recreation commission Tuesday about the organization’s efforts to help fund a different kind of playground.
“We want to advertise that we’re on board with the City of Marysville,” Francis said. “I just absolutely love it.”
The city already has $100,000 in mind to replace the playground at Eljer Park next year. Hope Matters plans on raising an extra $60,000 to increase the scope of the project to make it more inclusive for children with special needs.
The organization’s efforts include 21 “bike nights” at Benny’s Pizza, where money spent on certain drinks will go directly to Hope Matters. The project has also received sponsorships from Jack Daniels, Budweiser and Yuengling.
“We’ve talked about this for a couple years now, and it’s taken a lot to get it where it’s at,” Francis said.
He said he doesn’t believe Hope Matters will have trouble reaching its target this year.
“As long as we raise the money that we need … I think it will be an amazing partnership with the City of Marysville,” he said.
Events and Recreation Coordinator Amanda Morris and Parks and Grounds Superintendent Eric Hinkle have met with Hope Matters to stay updated and coordinate the organization with playground companies the city has used before.
Public Service Director Mike Andrako said one company the city uses, Playworld, offers features not seen in any other Marysville parks. He said the partnership with Hope Matters would allow the city to get some of these unique structures.
He specifically cited a merry-go-round that’s flush with the ground, allowing wheelchair access. Another is a raised rocking platform accessible by wheelchairs that can have children both play inside and hang from the outside.
“The merry-go-round actually has a compartment where you can wheel your chair into and it actually latches,” he said. “That way, you don’t get thrown off.”
Laura Russell, the social media manager for the organization, said, “Having the city on board brings a lot of credence to our charity.”
Morris said the project was brought to the commission to get them up to speed before Hope Matters kicks off their campaign.
“Normally, we don’t talk about this until much later,” she said. “We’ll spend this summer sort of figuring out what that looks like.”
Andrako said he’s considered putting a “coming soon” sign near where the playground would go. It would have a picture of a rendering, once they decide what it will look like.
“I think from what I see here, everybody here supports it,” said commission member Mark Reams.