Inclusive playground in works

Avon officials, students gather to break ground

Avon city officials and students from Heritage North Elementary School gathered May 31 to break ground on the Every Child’s Playground.

The park, which will be located at 36265 Detroit Road, is the result of a collaborative effort between the French Creek Foundation, Flavorseal, Lorain Public Library System and Christian Heritage Church.

According to Avon officials, the playground will incorporate the natural surroundings and will provide innovative access to individuals with special needs. The goal is to allow children of all ages to play together without barriers.

At the event, Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen shared his hopes for the future of the playground.

“It’s always a special time when we can do something that’s special, not only for the community, but for the surrounding areas,” Jensen said.

“We hope that the beginning of this will be something greater than something we all anticipated.”

Jensen thanked Lorain County General Health District Commissioner David Covell for his help with funding the project.

“He kind of started this for us in terms of moving things forward,” Jensen said.

“There was a grant that’s available and he was so gracious to allow us to do this.

“This will allow us to put a lot of the trails that will surround this and then also a piece of equipment that is a part of this.”

Speaking after the groundbreaking, Covell said the General Health District is helping communities to become more active.

“The idea is to create seed money, if we can, or other opportunities to bring partners together to help the community create more opportunities for people to have an active lifestyle,” he said.

“Whenever there’s a scenario with a trail or a park like this where we’re confident that people can get out of their home and exercise more, that’s what we’re all about.

“Avon’s done a great job of taking the lead and really trying to create something that’s great for their residents.”

“It’s always a special time when we can do something that’s special, not only for the community, but for the surrounding areas.” Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen

ERIC BONZAR — THE MORNING JOURNAL Heritage North Elementary School fourth graders James Selos, 11, and Rosey Davis, 10, grip the golden shovel as they and their fellow classmates help break ground on Avon’s “Every Child’s Playground” on May 31. The all-inclusive playground will sit on...