OHIO — New playgrounds have been installed at 10 state parks across Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced this week.
The 10 new playgrounds, which each cost about $40,000, include a climbing structure, slides, tubes or bridges and four swings. Most of the parks also added climbing walls.
The new playgrounds are in addition to the Storybook Trails that ODNR began installing at state parks in 2019. The trails present children’s books in a series of child-height panels to blend the fun of outdoor exploration with reading, ODNR said.
ODNR said it purchased the playgrounds from Snider Recreation, a family-owned business based in North Royalton.
“We want to make sure everyone, young and old, can come and find something to enjoy at Ohio State Parks,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a news release. “Recently, we have been updating our nature centers and adding Storybook Trails, and now we have added additional playground equipment to keep our youngest guests happy, healthy, and active during their visits.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine welcomed the addition of the new playground sets.
“My wife, Fran, and I have made so many memories with our children and grandchildren at Ohio State Parks,” said DeWine. “Investments in new playgrounds and Storybook Trails will give families more opportunities to enjoy Ohio’s treasured parks for years to come.”
New playgrounds have been installed at the following parks:
- A.W. Marion State Park
- Buckeye Lake State Park
- Cowan Lake State Park
- East Fork State Park
- Geneva State Park
- Indian Lake State Park
- Maumee Bay State Park
- Salt Fork State Park
- Strouds Run State Park
- Wolf Run State Park
There are 75 locations in the ODNR state park system.