New Heart of Ohio Playground Set to Open at Memorial Park in Centerburg

In Centerburg, a major community‑driven project is nearing completion as the new Heart of Ohio Playground prepares to open at Memorial Park. A public ribbon‑cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m., hosted by the Centerburg Friends of Memorial Park and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

The playground project began in 2022, when Centerburg resident Kara Staats started conversations about updating the park’s aging play area. A volunteer committee of residents, local officials, and nonprofit partners soon formed to guide the effort. Community members contributed through donations, equipment, labor, and planning support.

A key feature of the new playground is its poured‑in‑place rubber surfacing, made possible through a significant contribution from the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Board provided $179,274.75 in ARPA funding, which also supported the addition of inclusive play elements such as a wheelchair‑accessible merry‑go‑round.

Working with Kinetic Recreation, the project team designed a space intended to serve children of all ages and abilities. The playground includes multiple climbing structures, slides, swings, spinners, and interactive components that encourage active and accessible play.

In total, the project raised more than $325,000. That includes an $85,000 grant from the Knox County Foundation through the Friends of Memorial Park Fund, along with support from Hilliar Township, the Village of Centerburg, and numerous local donors and volunteers.

The Knox County Foundation will continue to steward the Friends of Memorial Park Fund to support long‑term maintenance and future improvements at the site.

Families are invited to attend the ribbon cutting, explore the new playground, and enjoy food and snow cones provided by Centerburg Church of Christ.