Port Clinton playground opens Friday

PORT CLINTON — After more than two years of dedicated work, Port Clinton's Flagship Collaborative Play Place is finally done. The all-inclusive playground cost about $600,000 and has been under construction for several weeks. It will be unveiled during a special ceremony at 1 p.m., Friday in Lakeview Park. "The playground and the equipment will be able to be used by everyone, including those who use wheelchairs," spokesperson Catharine Hadley said. "The committee has worked for almost two years developing the project, raising money, and building the playground."Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.Organizers with the Ability Center of Ottawa County spent years working with Port Clinton's Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions clubs on fundraising efforts for the unique playground. The playground will have a rubberized floor; wheelchair access; provide a fun environment for disabled children; and include audio features for children with sensory issues.Two servicemen from the 200th Red Horse Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, along with several locals, donated their time to clear the land and help construct the new playground."My kids love to play in (Lakeview Park,)" Sgt. Tom Barron said. "I'm sure they'll love to play in the new playground, too."He continued: "I'll be out there playing with them because I'll always be a big kid."WANT TO GO?WHAT: Flagship Collaborative Play Place openingWHEN: 1 p.m. FridayWHERE: Lakeview Park, East Perry Street, Port Clinton Mark Coppeler of the Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton helps put together a section of the Flagstone Collaborative Play Place in Lakeview Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.The playground equipment for the Flagstone Collaborative Play Place at Lakeview Park is laid out, beginning to be constructed by community members on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.Drilling into the boardwalk of the playground, Dick Highfield helps construct the Flagstone Collaborative Play Place on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Lakeview Park in Port Clinton. Port Clinton Kiwanis Mark and Tammy Coppeler assemble a piece of playground equipment for the Flagstone Collaborative Play Place in Lakeview Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.