The Martin County Community Foundation, a partner in the Community Foundation Partnership, Inc., prioritized health, wellness and recreation in early 2020 after working with E-Solve Solutions and the READY Martin County Coalition. Needs assessments, surveys and community meetings led the Community Foundation Board to look for opportunities to improve recreation areas for residents. Toward that end, the Community Foundation approved a grant in the amount of $130,000 to the Town of Shoals for park improvements. The plan includes a new preschool playground (including adaptive swings) that will be located behind the main bleachers, a total replacement of the existing walkway lights, safety netting for the existing playground area, and new fencing for the front area of the main ball field. The project and grant has a total cost of approximately $140,000, including the cost of the consultant’s work and expenses.
The Ballpark is a highly visible community asset that was in desperate need of improvements. These improvements allow families of all ages to more safely enjoy outdoor activities, whether they live in Martin County or are visiting from surrounding counties. This collaborative grant was made possible with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its $100,000 leadership grant from Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) VII initiative.