Bath Community Fund grant supports new inclusive playground
Bath Community Fund's Grants Committee and Advisory Board were proud to award a $2,000 grant to the Herberich Primary School PTA in 2022. This grant supported the installation of an inclusive playground that will serve families in the Bath community. The project perfectly aligns with one of Bath Community Fund's primary goals: to serve youth through education and recreation.
The idea for a new playground had been a long time in the making, as the old equipment was more than 25 years old and beginning to degrade. In the spring of 2023, the main play structure was replaced and new features were added, including a ramp that will make the playground accessible to all children, a rock wall, musical equipment and activity panels. Another new feature that will make the playground inclusive and safe for even the youngest members of our community is a partial pour-in-place surface.
Herberich Primary School is home to the Summit County Educational Service Center preschool program, which identifies children with disabilities within the school district and provides early intervention programs. In addition to providing children with a new place to enjoy recess, the district's physical and occupational therapists utilize the playground for therapy sessions with students across all grade levels. While the Herberich playground will mainly serve students attending Copley-Fairlawn City Schools during the school day, it will provide a fun and safe space for children and their families in Bath Township to play year-round.
The new playground addresses another goal of Bath Community Fund, strengthening Bath Community for current and future generations. "We anticipate that the playground will allow students of all ages and abilities to play, climb and slide together in the same play space. Not only does this allow children to improve their physical abilities through play, but it also promotes relationship building in an inclusive environment. Our goal is that the new playground will be enjoyed by students and the entire Bath community for many years to come," said Ashlee Eskelsen, a member of the Herberich playground committee.
To view a complete list of grants awarded by Bath Community Fund, visit akroncf.org/BCFgranthistory.
