St Anne's Hill Historic Society

In the last couple of years, the number of people choosing to live in or near downtown Dayton has skyrocketed, and many of our new neighbors have children. The playground at Bomberger Park is a popular, central location for families to relax, but the equipment is badly in need of replacement. The City of Dayton plans to replace the primary play equipment as part of the normally scheduled park maintenance program, but the neighbors have realized that there are additional gaps that can be filled with some help from the characteristic grassroots effort we are known for.

 

The City typically only installs play equipment that is rated for children ages 5-12, and it does not normally include any inclusive elements for patrons with disabilities. We would like to address this by partnering with the City and adding some additional play elements, funded by private fundraising and a strong push for local grants. We are currently raising funds to purchase and install play equipment for children ages 2-5, and to add some accessible features such as an adaptive swing, access ramp, and sensory play equipment.

 

Our intention is to add a second, smaller playset for younger children, as well as to add other freestanding items such as climbers, swings, benches, and picnic tables. We have received approval for the project from the City's Street Maintenance, Civil Engineering, and Community Development departments.

 

We have already secured one grant of $5000 and are applying for additional ones, which we hope will particularly help with funding disability-inclusive items.

 

However, play equipment costs tens of thousands of dollars, and we need your help!

 

We are starting with an initial goal of $20,000, which would allow us to install a structure such as the ones below:

 

 

 

 

If we exceed this goal, we will be able to begin adding additional freestanding play equipment and park amenities as well! Raising $25,000 would allow us to purchase a freestanding climbing structure such as one of these:

 

 

 

 

If we can outdo ourselves and raise $30,000, we would also be able to add a pair of swinging benches such as these:

 

 

 

All contributors who donate $100 or more (and do not remain anonymous) will be contacted to vote on equipment selection!

 

Donors of $250 or more will be recognized with signage at the park.

 

Donors who are able to contribute $1200 or more will be contacted for specialty recognition, such as a dedicated bench or piece of play equipment.

 

If you have questions about this project, please contact Justine Kelly, St Anne's Hill Historical Society Vice President and chair of the Playground Committee.

 

More information about St Annes Hill Historic Society: Our mission is to preserve and promote the historic St. Anne's Hill neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio.