Community Foundation of the Virginias accepting donations for new Bluefield playground

Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va.
·2 min read
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Jan. 17—By GREG JORDAN

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — A local nonprofit agency is seeking funds to help create a new playground complex at Lotito Park in Bluefield.

The Community Foundation of the Virginias has established an account to accept donations for the new playground complex that will replace Yakkity Yak Playground, Lecia Smith, a volunteer with the foundation, said Tuesday.

Since the city has not decided on a name for the new playground complex, the foundation is asking donors to make checks payable to the Community Foundation of the Virginias, designating the donation for the Bluefield Playground Fund, Smith said.

The foundation's mailing address is:

Community Foundation of the Virginias

P.O. Box 4127

Bluefield, WV 24701

The foundation's street address is 128 North Street A in Bluefield.

During a recent meeting, the Bluefield Board of Directors voted to approve an addendum for a 40-yard dash for the new playground project at Lotito Park.

City Treaurer Danny Dillow said then that funding has already been identified for the project, including a donation from Smith, who helped create the original Yakkity Yak playground at the city park more than 25 years ago, and a grant from the Community Foundation of the Virginias.

Rick Showalter, director of parks and recreation, told the city board that a 40-yard dash could be ready this spring in addition to the new playground.

The splash pad is expected to be ready for use by 2025.

The board also agreed to submit an application for a $150,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the splash pad project.

Funding is being acquired for both the playground and splash pad projects, according to earlier reports.

In August 2023, the Shott Foundation was contributing around $229,000 for the new playground project. The city is seeking other sources of funding as well.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com