New playground means more fun at Foxborough Park

SANDUSKY — At 18 months old, Jeremiah couldn't verbalize his thoughts.But the boy's joyous facial expressions revealed his exact opinions of Foxborough Park's new playground.Sitting on the lap of Mackenzie Lorentz, his aunt, Jeremiah flashed a large smile and let out a giggle while swaying on a swing."This is amazing," Lorentz said. "This is a really great addition for the kids."Ka'maria Hughes, 10, swings at Foxborough Park on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Lorentz and Jeremiah attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the amenities, taking place Wednesday afternoon.About 50 people — consisting of city officials, police officers, neighborhood residents, area volunteers and more — attended the event, which unveiled this equipment.Children gather for a picture with city officials during Wednesday's Foxborough Park dedication in Sandusky.In early 2017, city commissioners approved a $27,200 expense to purchase a new play set for Foxborough Park, located off Foxborough Circle near East Perkins Avenue.The money comes from a dual tax increase voters approved in fall 2014, formally known as Issue 8. Residents supported raising both the income and admissions tax rates to subsidize public projects, including park developments.Foxborough Park joins other city-owned green spaces — in addition to Lions, Orlando Pace, Shoreline and Wilbert Street parks — since 2016 to receive funding for new playground equipment. Two others, Central and Huron parks, stand to receive new amenities within a year's time."The reason that the commission was so adamant about investing in our neighborhood parks is evident from our children that we see here today," city manager Eric Wobser said. "They know what makes a community strong is a variety of things but, most importantly, is having places where people can come together. When we all come together, we can do things, like rebuild parks, and then we can build community."Kori Boesch, 6, and her sister Brynlee, 3, play on the new equipment at Foxborough Park in Sandusky Wednesday evening. Commissioner Wes Poole, who resides near Foxborough Park, explained the commission's rationale on spending money for playgrounds."These parks, and the things we put in them, are to make your lives better," said Poole, speaking directly to about 20 children in attendance. "We hope that you like it. I'm really happy. I would like for our neighborhood park to be the best one in town."Aierel Patrick, 15, smiles at the Foxborough Park dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Sandusky. Playground partsThe new playground at Foxborough Park features the following pieces of equipment:• Three-bay swing set, consisting of a handicap accessible swing and five belt swings• Seesaw• Dome climber• Two-seater taxi• Play structure with a capacity of 45 children• Engineered wood-fiber surfacingChildren play on the new playground equipment Foxborough Park on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Sandusky.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.