The Belgrave Community Playground Committee has launched a fundraising campaign to raise about $300,000 to build a new and accessible playground in the village of Belgrave.
Spokesperson James Elston said they want to create an inclusive playground which will ensure the park will meet the accessibility requirements for 2025.
"A new path to it, new updated play structures for different age groups," he said. "The playgrounds for the kids will have an all rubber floor matting, no chips, no stones, so it can be wheelchair accessibility at all the times."
Elston added the current playground is slowly being removed as the pieces are no longer safe to play on. This results in local families going elsewhere for their children to play.
Instead, Elston would like the playground to become a destination.
"For the younger families, people with impairments as well. They can enjoy it with little restrictions. It's for everyone to come and enjoy, and to bring in more family functions," he explained. "Our goal is to build a unique, fun and destination playground to be enjoyed by all ages and families not only for those who live in the village, but to be the perfect place to host family gathering, play dates, Earlyon programs, after school fun and it will greatly benefit both mental and physical health for all ages and so much more."
The committee hopes to raise the money through donations and fundraising events such as baseball tournaments, dances, dinners, and festivals. The committee will also be applying for any grants available. Over $60,000 has already been raised. The committee had hoped to get the project completed next year, but Elston said it is more likely the playground will be built in 2026.
"We would greatly appreciate any donation you could make toward that amount and should you choose to make a donation, you would be recognized as one of the "builders of fun" for our community betterment project," he concluded.
People can contact any of the following committee members:
Wayne Fenton: wfenton18@gmail.com
James Elston: j.elston02@outlook.com
Jonathan Van Camp: vancamp.jon@gmail.com
Emily Hopf: emily.d.hopf@gmail.com