Foust Elementary students joined local officials Wednesday afternoon at Moreland Park to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the park’s brand-new playground, a nearly 7,000-square-foot space designed to promote inclusive and active play for children of all ages and abilities.
The playground, made possible in part by a $75,000 grant from the Kentucky Waste Tire Crumb Rubber/Tire Derived Products program, includes features such as wheelchair-accessible components, sensory play panels, and unique climbing and swinging equipment. Poured-in-place rubber surfacing throughout the play area ensures easier accessibility, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
The playground also includes a generation swing (allowing a child and adult to swing together), a cyclo cone spinning climber — the first of its kind in Owensboro parks — a series of climbable rocks, and play zones designed for both 2–5 and 5–12-year-olds.
“I’m pleased to see so many faces today, especially the young students from Foust Elementary who are behind me,” said Amanda Rogers, Director of Owensboro Parks & Recreation, as she kicked off the ceremony. “This playground couldn’t have been possible without so many partners — from our team at Parks, to grant support, to the neighborhood alliance.”
Students from both Foust and Sutton Elementary helped select the equipment during the design phase, and their voices helped shape the inclusive and interactive layout now enjoyed by the community.
Lisa Evans, Environmental Scientist Consultant with the Kentucky Division of Waste Management, oversaw the grant process that funded the surfacing.
“Since this program started in 2004, we’ve awarded nearly $12 million in grants,” Evans said. “This year alone, we had 59 applications totaling $2.6 million in requests. Owensboro was one of just 23 recipients, and I’m thrilled to see how the funds were used here. This project looks great, and I know it will be enjoyed for many years.”
The grant is funded through the $2 tire fee collected on new tire purchases in Kentucky and supports sustainable uses for recycled tires.
In addition to the new playground, a solar-powered bench was unveiled near the play area, the result of a collaboration between the Dogwood Azalea Neighborhood Alliance and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline. The bench offers a resting spot with built-in charging capabilities powered by clean energy.
“One of our first discussions as a reactivated alliance was about improving Moreland Park,” said Mary Anne Steele, chairperson of the neighborhood group. “We wanted more seating, and our treasurer Dave Roberts, who recently retired from Southern Star, connected us with their solar bench program.”
Karen Goedde, Director of Corporate Communications and PR for Southern Star, said the company has donated seven benches across its pipeline footprint so far.
“This bench is a testament to our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and being a good environmental steward,” Goedde said. “We hope everyone enjoys it.”
The unveiling concluded with a celebratory ribbon cutting, as students rushed to be the first to break in the slides, climbers, and swings.
“This playground is more than equipment,” Rogers said. “It’s a space for connection, movement, and memories — for every child.”
