The Winamac Town Park’s small children’s playground may soon get new equipment, thanks to the town’s Kiwanis Club. The club has the chance to apply for a matching grant from the Indiana District of Kiwanis, and has offered to pursue funds for playground equipment. That’s according to Town Attorney Justin Schramm, who also serves on the club’s executive board.
The Winamac Park Board decided Thursday to accept the offer. Board members considered getting some ADA-compliant playground equipment. But Park Manager Dave DeLorenzo pointed out that would also require accessible approaches and the replacement of the existing pea gravel.
As an alternative, board member Jon Chapman said the kiddie playground is in need of some upgrades. “That little kids’ park has stuff in it that’s been there since we were kids, and those big springs on those are just waiting for some kind of liability,” he said. “I’m surprised nothing’s happened yet. I’d say we might want to consider, if we got the grant, if we can get ADA, great, but looking at that little area to improve first, as we move through the park.”
Since the Kiwanis Club has to submit its grant application in a few weeks, board members authorized DeLorenzo to choose the equipment and decide where it should be placed. Schramm explained that the club has more than $2,000 left from last year’s budget, and the grant would double that. If more money is needed, the town has some funding for playground equipment in the park budget.
