Walbridge: Grant will fund park upgrades

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The Village of Walbridge is being awarded funding from the state capital budget and Railway Park will see major improvements as a result, mayor Ed Kolanko said.
The village is receiving $300,000 from the two-year capital budget that was passed last week in the Ohio House of Representatives and, after being signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, it will fund projects throughout the state.
Mayor Kolanko said the village still maintains the original playground equipment installed when the park opened in 1983. That equipment will be replaced and the playground upgraded.
“I am beyond excited for the Village of Walbridge to be included in this year’s state capital project list,” he said. The mayor credited State Representative Elgin Rogers for supporting the village application.
In addition to the state funding, the village is pledging $101,650 toward the project from its general fund and private donations.
In its application for the funds, the village states it would replace the playground equipment with two structures designed for 2 to 5-year-olds and 5 to 12-year-olds.
“The new equipment will not only be accessible, but inclusive, inviting various styles of play for children of all ability levels,” the application says. “The new equipment will also accommodate more users.”
Other upgrades will include replacing a split-rail fence that separates a parking area from a walking path and playground. Improvements to comply with Americans With Disabilities Act regulations are also planned as well as furnishings such a picnic tables and trash cans.
The application says a playground consultant conducted an inspection of Railway Park and cited safety concerns with the current play equipment. Also, new play equipment can’t be funded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks program or through small grants from the Wood County Park District.
Railway Park is the most heavily used of Walbridge’s three parks and includes two ball diamonds, a basketball court, three new pickleball courts, a 1/3-mile walking path, playground, picnic shelters, concession stand, and restroom.
The Lake Baseball Association provides financial support and volunteers for improvements and maintenance of the park.