New Philadelphia is just about ready to tear down an old Tuscora Park playground and replace it with a new, inclusive one.
Mayor Joel Day says after Labor Day the city will begin prep work, which includes removing the existing playground equipment at the site near the train and roller coaster rides.
New Philadelphia High School teacher Preston Cornell has been leading the effort to raise the money for the new playground, and they’re almost there.
“We have $370,000 accounted for currently and we need about $80,000 more to go over the winter to make sure that happens.”
Cornell says donations for the playground through the Tuscora Park Foundation can be dropped off at the park office.
She began this project as another way to honor her mother, Susan Goodie, who passed away in 2020.
The playground will be wheelchair accessible but able to be used by everyone with unique equipment and special surfacing. Cornell believes it can be ready by next summer.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2025