By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The campaign to completely revamp South Ward Park in Decatur is halfway toward its goal, city Park Superintendent Cara Gerber reported at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
As of that day, $23,500 had been secured from 23 patrons, Gerber said, and she had pledges for two more donations of $1,000 each.
When that report was given, however, only four weeks remained in the fundraising drive.
Nov. 3 is the deadline to raise $50,000 to be used to match a $50,000 grant offered by CreatINg Places, a program of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
If the match is secured, $100,000 would be available to replace aging equipment and transform South Ward Park into Adams County’s first-ever, all-inclusive turf park, designed to be fully ADA accessible.
Mayor Dan Rickord said at the meeting that he was part of a city group which recently traveled to Mishawaka to view an all-inclusive park there.
“It was for all kids, it was a cool thing, a great thing,” he exclaimed.
“Cara came up with the idea (for such a park) all on her own.”
Plans for the park include a universally designed playground with accessible and sensory-focused play opportunities, a toddler play structure, improved sidewalks and accessibility.
To donate or learn more about the South Ward Park project, visit: www.patronicity.com/
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