Grant will be used for construction of new ADA playground at Dillon State Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Lisa Daris, lisa.daris@ohiostateparksfoundation.org
COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 14, 2022) – The Ohio State Parks Foundation (OSPF) has received a grant from the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation to create an ADA playground at Dillon State Park, a 2,285-acre park located in Nashport, Ohio.
The playground will feature inclusive equipment and fall zone material. It will be located in the day use area that offers other amenities including the beach, a storybook trail, basketball courts, and a shelter house.
“I’m grateful to the Straker Foundation for supporting improvements that keep our youngest visitors happy and active during their visit to Dillon State Park,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Playgrounds bring such joy to kids and making the equipment more accessible will ensure even more of them can experience the sights and sounds that childhood memories are made of.”
Founded in 2021, the OSPF raises funds through donations and grants that preserve, protect, and enhance Ohio State Parks. Funding has equipped multiple state parks with ADA amenities such as this playground, ADA hiking chairs, picnic tables, kayaks, beach mats, boat launches, and trails.
“The J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation believes that Dillon State Park is one of Muskingum County’s gems, and we are happy to support the construction of a handicapped accessible playground there,” said Susan Holdren, President and Executive Director of the Straker Foundation. “This work continues the vision of our founders; my parents were enthusiastic about helping children have access to healthy, outdoor activities.”
OSPF has raised almost one million dollars that will be used to make Ohio State Parks more inclusive. They will be featuring their achievements this summer by revealing new amenities available or coming soon in the parks through their social media and on their website.
To learn more about OSPF, go to www.ohiostateparksfoundation.org. For media queries, contact Lisa Daris, Director of OSPF at lisa.daris@ohiostateparksfoundation.org.
To learn more about the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, go to www.strakerfoundation.org.
