Russiaville gearing up for a new playground

Inclusive outdoor facility and shelter would enhance offerings at Jeff Stout Community Center Park

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The Town of Russiaville is thinking big. It recently developed a plan to greatly enhance the Jeff Stout Community Center Park with an all-abilities inclusive playground and outdoor shelter. But it will need the community’s help to realize the dream.

The playground would include a play area and equipment for smaller children, ages 2-5, as well as an area for children ages 5-12. And all of it would be accessible for children with various disabilities. According to the quote the town board received from PlayPros, the total cost of the playground is about $225,000.

That’s a bit out of the town’s price range, said outgoing town board member Jeff Lipinski, so Russiaville is looking to the larger community for help in reaching the goal.

“They have designs for the playground,” said Lipinski. “It doesn’t mean they’re going to get all of it. It’s probably out of the price range, but it’s a goal they’re reaching for, to create this inclusive park. It would be really cool to have for the community.”

Lipinski explained that the town is seeking corporate donors to help cover the bulk of the cost, but it will take contributions from many people to make the playground a reality.

“There will be all kinds of fund-raising opportunities to help fund the playground,” said Lipinski. “They have car wash gift certificates, basket raffles at the Western High School basketball games, including a really big raffle at the game on Dec. 9.”

The playground would be situated in the greenspace between the Jeff Stout Community Center and the baseball and softball fields. Its addition would highlight the amenities already in place at the park, which features a horseshoe pitch, a Frisbee golf course, and a walking trail that winds around the perimeter of the park. And then there is the community center, which holds great potential.

“It’s really a hidden gem in the Howard County community,” said Lipinski. “It’s a really cool place. And we’re trying to expand it, make it more marketable. It’s a great place for wedding receptions and events. And it’s near the baseball and softball parks.

“The park is growing, and the next phase is to create this playground area and eventually a shelter for outdoor events like birthday parties, picnics, and family reunions.”

None of this would be possible without Jeff Stout. The late funeral director, business mogul, and Howard County Councilman was responsible for the bulk of the funding that created the park and community center.

“Jeff Stout helped us out a lot when it all started,” said Lipinski. “He made a significant financial donation to get it all started. That’s why his name in on the community center, though he was an awesome guy and deserved an honor like that anyway. He was one of the few people I could say that no one could say anything bad about him.”

And Stout’s legacy continues with the playground project. Stout and Son Funeral Home has committed $5,000 to the effort. It is joined by Waddell’s IGA and Dr. Sherri Nuss in sowing the first seeds. The Western High School cheerleaders also are in fundraising mode for the playground.

“The Russiaville Lions Club is right there with us,” added Lipinski. “They donated the land for the baseball and softball parks, and they are working right along with us for the good of the town. The town board is working hard on this project. I know they’d like to have a good idea on what they will be able to afford by next spring. And we’re there to support them.”

People and businesses in the community can donate to the playground in various ways. Marie’s Car Wash gift cards are available as a fundraiser, and the town is selling paver bricks that will be installed in the park to show donor support. And if people want to donate directly, they can do it through PayPal to the Town of Russiaville.

For more information about obtaining gift cards, purchasing a paver brick, or making any other donation, call the Russiaville Town Hall at 765-883-5775.