Carroll County Park District

Nature Works Playground

2013

The playground was made possible thanks to a grant received from The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks program and generous donations from Tom and Darlene McCalmont as well as the Carroll County Commissioners. NatureWorks is a long established grant program that provided funding to the park district before. The playground cost almost $24,000 with NatureWorks providing $10,414 of the funds and is phase 1 of a three phase project. The Carroll County Commissioners provided funds to the park district which were used for the playground’s installation.

Tom and Darlene McCalmont matched the grant, providing a very generous donation to the park district in loving memory of Dale Hinerman, Darlene’s father. In addition, the two trees located at the front of the playground were donated by them as well. Tom and Darlene grew up in Carrollton. They have many good memories here in Carrollton and wished to give something back to the community. Dale Hinerman donated the covered wagon which is located at Carroll Community Park and his daughters donated a park bench for the playground. 

                     The playground is opened every day of the year.                                 

Phase II

The second phase includes enlarging the playground and adding a set of swings. “Most every playground I ever saw has a set of swings. Those offering input and the park board agreed. Phase two will provide them,” stated Dale A. Alexander, Executive Director. He said, “The generosity of Tom and Darlene McCalmont and the County Commissioners permitted the park district to build the playground this year.” Another Nature Works grant has been applied for phase 2 and the park district will find whether they are successful yet again.

“Since funding is limited, Nature Works is an extremely important grant opportunity for this park district. ODNR has done a great job with the administration of Nature Works,” stated Alexander. Game Time, the playground manufacturer, has a matching grant that will provide up to 100% match for the playground equipment. That could save about 30% of the cost of the playground. However, the Game Time grant is only available this fall. Regardless, fundraising and contributions will be required to complete phase 2.

 

For more information about providing a donation for phase 2 or other projects the park district has to offer, contact Dale Alexander at 330-627-8046 or dalexander@ccparkdistrict.org .