{"id":40500,"date":"2026-10-01T09:31:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T13:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=40500"},"modified":"2026-10-01T09:31:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T13:31:42","slug":"south-ward-donation-drive-at-one-third-mark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/01\/south-ward-donation-drive-at-one-third-mark\/","title":{"rendered":"South Ward donation drive at one-third mark"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By BOB SHRALUKA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WZBD.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of Sept. 29, $16,500 had been raised with 35 days to go, according to Parks Superintendent Cara Gerber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grant is awarded only if the $50,000 is matched locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s first-ever, all-inclusive turf park, designed to be fully ADA accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe new park will create a welcoming space where children of all abilities can play together and families can more easily enjoy the park,\u201d a new release said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Play panel in South Ward plans

<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Plans include a universally designed playground with accessible and sensory-focused play opportunities, a toddler play structure, improved sidewalks and accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, new parking, fencing, a restroom and pavilion, and upgrades to the existing basketball court to create a multi-use recreation space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur goal is to create a park where children of all abilities can play together and every family feels welcome,\u201d Gerber said. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to see the community come together to help make this vision a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every donation, no matter the size, helps move the project closer to its $50,000 goal, she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To donate or learn more about the South Ward Park project, visit: www.patronicity.com\/southwardpark<\/a>
Community members can help by sharing news of the campaign and encouraging others to support the project, Gerber noted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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