This Month’s Impact Maker

OUR STORY

What was once an empty wetland has been transformed into the area’s first all-inclusive playground. In 2013, a group of residents and business leaders formed The Walnut Grove – Field of Opportunity nonprofit organization to create a place where people of all ages and abilities could come together in fun and friendship.

Years of hard work and fundraising paid off in Spring 2018 when the Hine Memorial Fund Playground was installed. It is the first of many accessible attractions that will serve children and families on this Field of Opportunity.

In addition to the one-acre playground, the property currently includes natural walking paths and access to the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway. Plans for further expansion are underway.

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Walnut Grove Provides Place for All to Play

By Jeremy Lydic CANFIELD, Ohio -- If ever there is a question why the board members for The Walnut Grove spent five years working to build a playground “in the middle of nowhere,” the reactions from parents on social media serve as constant reminders. “I see a Facebook post about a child who is so excited to come to the playground because they’ve never been able to before,” says Shellie Duchek, fundraising chairwoman for the board. “And I think, ‘That’s...

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