New playground premieres in Vermilion

VERMILION — Vermilion officials recently gathered at Sherod Park to unveil a new 15,000-square-foot playground structure. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials, project supporters, community members and children took place to celebrate the occasion. "It's extraordinary," city parks operations director Marc Weisenberger said. There are "55 different play activities and a unique 28-foot-(tall) central tower play structure with five slides at three levels has elevated play to new levels at Vermilion's Sherod Park." Sherod Park, 13406 W. Lake Road (U.S. 6), near the city's downtown district, sits right on Lake Erie. The 24-acre greenspace is owned and maintained by the city's government. Weisenberger offered up some additional facts and figures about this new playground structure: • "Vermilion and (Vermilion Township) needed a modern playground, as the previous playground outlived its 30-year lifespan." • There are "dedicated play areas with age-appropriate equipment for toddlers, 23 months and younger, and areas for children 2 to 5 and 5 to 12." • There are "12 independent pieces of play equipment that offer extensive free-standing play activities that encourage all ages and abilities to play together." • It "meets modern trends in playgrounds including destination, multi-generational and inclusiveness." • "The cost of the playground equipment was $202,000, all covered by the neighboring Grace United Methodist Church." • "Local contractors provided all the site work at no cost to the city." • "Grants provided by several Erie County foundations and miscellaneous community donations covered the professional installation of the playground equipment." • "Erie MetroParks provided technical support and financial assistance." • "Vermilion Township provided in-kind services and equipment."