CALDWELL, Ohio (AVC News) — A new fully accessible playground for children of all abilities officially opened Tuesday at the Noble County Fairgrounds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Happy Trails Play Zone grand opening was held Sept. 29, with Gloria Llewellyn, superintendent of the Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, serving as master of ceremonies and keynote speaker. Pastor Stephen Hannum of Faith Baptist Church offered the invocation.
Llewellyn said the playground was financed through a grant from the Noble County Department of Developmental Disabilities and Noble County Extension Economic Development. Donations from organizations and individuals also contributed to the project.
Major donors included the Noble County Health Department, Noble County Commissioners, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jeff and Darlene Minosky, Barry and Nancy Snook, King Quarries, Patty’s Place, Sue Snode and State Farm Insurance, Caldwell Redi-Mix, Matrix Reed, Orry Smithberger, Rixton Dimmerling and Pine Tree Towing.
Crock Construction also donated a corner flower garden in memory of Kathy Crock.
Llewellyn said the Noble County Department of Developmental Disabilities and Noble County Extension Economic Development are working to obtain a GameTime grant for an all-accessible playground at the park in Batesville.
Equipment for the project has already been purchased, and organizers hope to purchase the playground structure in October. Additional grants and donations are being sought to help complete the project.
Llewellyn also said the Board of Developmental Disabilities, Noble County Health Department and Noble County Commissioners are working toward creating a restroom at Belle Valley Park and the walking track behind the Caldwell Municipal Building.
The groups also are working with the Noble Soil and Water Conservation District to install kayak launches at Wolf Run Lake and Caldwell Lake.
Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by AVC News
