Two City of Galesburg parks will have a new playground soon thanks to funding from GameTime. H.T. Custer Park and Lancaster Park will have new playgrounds through a program from GameTime, which is partnered with Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. H.T. Custer Park and Lancaster Park are the designated sights, which also received the 2022 and 2023 OSLAD grants. The funding from GameTime and the OSLAD grants are complementary, which enables the City of Galesburg to utilize both awards to complete the park renovation projects.
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation, also attended in-person training sessions on evidence-based best practices in play and recreation design and programming from PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE) with other parks, and recreation professionals. “This funding will be used to support the OSLAD Grant projects with the purchase of inclusive play equipment which also promotes physical activity and fitness for our community,” said Elizabeth Varner.
“Building a great play and recreation space is an important step in making a successful park. An equally important step is making sure it’s a place that meets the needs of families for generations to come,” said Robert Barron, Senior Vice President at GameTime. “The educational training and professional development equip parks professionals with research and design best practices to create spaces everyone will love to visit, places that promote physical activity, and encourage people of all ages and abilities to play together.”
Once completed, the space will be designated as a National Demonstration Site by PlayCore. National Demonstration Sites are part of a nationwide research project to collect, translate and report anonymous usage data about the park and its long-term impact on the local community. These data reports help demonstrate how investing in parks and recreation results in positive outcomes, grows social capital and builds strong communities through the power of play and recreation.
PlayCore is a purpose driven Company committed to building healthy communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. Learn more at www.playcore.com. GameTime is a leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, custom play spaces, and outdoor fitness equipment. Learn more at gametime.com.
