They saw a need. They formed a group. They solved the problem. It was as simple as that for a trio of Reno women.
In October 2019, Jessica Struthers, Valerie Zitterbart, and Laura Anna, or the "three chicks" as they refer to themselves, decided it was time for the Reno playground to get a an update.
"The neighborhood kids come up here all summer," Struthers said, also noting the nearby bus stop brings lots of afternoon visitors during the school year.
No major renovations had been done to the Oak Street park in since the women were youth themselves, and some of the equipment dates back quite a bit further. The thought of a renovations sparked the idea of forming a community group, and the Reno Neighborhood Association was born at the end of last year.
After looking into a few different possible avenues for funding, the association was able to secure funds through the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust and the Frederick & Ellen Fair Charitable Trust. The money is enough to cover a whole new set of equipment for the park.
In October 2019, Jessica Struthers, Valerie Zitterbart, and Laura Anna, or the "three chicks" as they refer to themselves, decided it was time for the Reno playground to get a an update.
"The neighborhood kids come up here all summer," Struthers said, also noting the nearby bus stop brings lots of afternoon visitors during the school year.
No major renovations had been done to the Oak Street park in since the women were youth themselves, and some of the equipment dates back quite a bit further. The thought of a renovations sparked the idea of forming a community group, and the Reno Neighborhood Association was born at the end of last year.
After looking into a few different possible avenues for funding, the association was able to secure funds through the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust and the Frederick & Ellen Fair Charitable Trust. The money is enough to cover a whole new set of equipment for the park.
Among the goals the women set for the remodel was to make the park more inviting for different ages and ability levels.
"We really need it to be inclusive for everybody," Zitterbart said.
The new equipment will include a variety of swings, multiple slides, a merry go round, and other interactive pieces. The update will also include new benches and garbage cans.
The equipment is expected to arrive in August, but the women didn't want to wait to get the playground makeover underway.
"We really need it to be inclusive for everybody," Zitterbart said.
The new equipment will include a variety of swings, multiple slides, a merry go round, and other interactive pieces. The update will also include new benches and garbage cans.
The equipment is expected to arrive in August, but the women didn't want to wait to get the playground makeover underway.
This past week they organized a small group of volunteers to clear out over growth around the former volleyball court. Mother nature, time and neglect has made the playground a little smaller each year as bushes and other plants invaded the space from the nearby hillside, virtually taking over the court.
Now the neighborhood association is taking it back.
As they wait for the major equipment to be deliver, the women have made arrangements to rejuvenate the volleyball area with new sand and a net. The sand will be delivered by Bert Klapec, who will also be assisting with removal of the current equipment when the time comes.
Community support was also received from Sherwin Williams, which made a donation to help revitalize the picnic tables. Additional support will be needed with the equipment arrives and volunteers will be needed to help assemble and install it. Struthers also added that the borough stepped up to help clear even more brush than the volunteers weren't able to get done.
Now the neighborhood association is taking it back.
As they wait for the major equipment to be deliver, the women have made arrangements to rejuvenate the volleyball area with new sand and a net. The sand will be delivered by Bert Klapec, who will also be assisting with removal of the current equipment when the time comes.
Community support was also received from Sherwin Williams, which made a donation to help revitalize the picnic tables. Additional support will be needed with the equipment arrives and volunteers will be needed to help assemble and install it. Struthers also added that the borough stepped up to help clear even more brush than the volunteers weren't able to get done.
Zitterbart and Struthers said the playground renovation is just one of many positive things happening to make the village a great place to raise a family. If they have their way, the momentum will continue into next year as well.
"Eventually we want to replace the picnic tables," Zitterbart said, adding that the basketball courts and pavilion will also receive attention.
Their track record shows that is very likely to happen.
"We TCB'd it," Struthers said of their aggressive timeline. "We took care of some business."
"Eventually we want to replace the picnic tables," Zitterbart said, adding that the basketball courts and pavilion will also receive attention.
Their track record shows that is very likely to happen.
"We TCB'd it," Struthers said of their aggressive timeline. "We took care of some business."
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