MESSAGE FROM MAYOR PRIBONIC
Dear Residents,
SKiP Playground Coming Soon
Summer 2022!
I am so excited to share with you that I and my administration have raised all the funds necessary to undertake the rebuild of Skip Playground! This is Phase 1 of the Stow City Center Project, a development plan that will create a community gathering space including SKIP Playground and adjacent property, creating an abundance of fun and easily accessible opportunities for families and children. Groundbreaking is expected to take place this Spring, with installation of playground components this Summer!
This community amenity will serve as an anchor project for a comprehensive, long-term plan to develop a focal center for the City of Stow, successfully combining culture, recreation, leisure, education, wellness, inclusion, and more. Importantly, this project will engage residents and visitors alike. As we complete the Parks Master Plan study, we will have a final plan for the City Center.
Community Input
The City of Stow conducted a Visioning Workshop in 2019 that helped create a plan for the space. The workshop included members of the Parks and Recreation Board, Arts Commission, Commission on Inclusion, and Senior Citizens Commission. At the conclusion of the workshop, approximately 20 residents agreed to volunteer on ad hoc committees. The Playground Committee and the Steering (Fundraising) Committee were formed. Prior to COVID, the committees were meeting regularly to discuss their areas of focus. Both committees submitted recommendations to the administration. These recommendations helped shape the project as it developed.
They concluded with the mission of the project: “To create a welcoming, safe outdoor gathering space custom-tailored by the community for the community that encourages interactive, healthy play and independence for people of all ages and abilities.” Is that not perfect for our community?? I am so grateful for the input of our volunteers!
Fundraising
Prior to COVID, the Steering Committee was working hand in hand with the administration, and had acquired approximately $275,000 in pledged private donations for the project. Since then, I and the administration, along with the assistance of others, have raised a total of $656,000.
Selecting a Playground Company
With Parks and Recreation Board approval of a concept that was derived from volunteer input, the City administration solicited RFPs from playground companies for design and build of the playground. A final footprint and final equipment selection were decide upon, and the NEW SKIP playground components and amenities were ordered! Expected delivery of equipment is June 2022. And then, installation of the playground will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Please take a moment to visit our web page for the project. You will find a concept video for Skip Playground, and a full presentation documenting each playground component and its function.
Look for a GRAND OPENING of the NEW SKIP Playground in the Summer of 2022!!!
Sincerely,
John Pribonic
Mayor, City of Stow
