By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
As September turns into October, the capital campaign to raise funds for a major update to South Ward Park in Decatur is near the one-third mark.
As of Sept. 29, $16,500 had been raised with 35 days to go, according to Parks Superintendent Cara Gerber.
Nov. 3 is the deadline to raise $50,000 to match a $50,000 grant offered by CreatINg Places, a program of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
The grant is awarded only if the $50,000 is matched locally.
If the goal is reached, that would make $100,000 available to replace aging equipment and transform South Ward Park into Decatur and Adams County’s first-ever, all-inclusive turf park, designed to be fully ADA accessible.
“The new park will create a welcoming space where children of all abilities can play together and families can more easily enjoy the park,” a new release said.
Plans include a universally designed playground with accessible and sensory-focused play opportunities, a toddler play structure, improved sidewalks and accessibility.
Also, new parking, fencing, a restroom and pavilion, and upgrades to the existing basketball court to create a multi-use recreation space.
“Our goal is to create a park where children of all abilities can play together and every family feels welcome,” Gerber said. “We’re excited to see the community come together to help make this vision a reality.”
Every donation, no matter the size, helps move the project closer to its $50,000 goal, she added.
To donate or learn more about the South Ward Park project, visit: www.patronicity.com/
Community members can help by sharing news of the campaign and encouraging others to support the project, Gerber noted.
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