MITCHELL — The Lawrence County Community Foundation (LCCF) is spotlighting a major community improvement effort during its Fall Gathering, as local leaders work to replace the aging wooden playground in Mitchell City Park with a modern, fully accessible play space for children of all abilities.
The project received a significant boost after LCCF awarded a Challenge Grant to the City of Mitchell to launch its fundraising campaign. The grant is structured as a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $50,000, doubling the impact of community donations and accelerating progress toward the goal. Organizers say the matching funds are designed to encourage local investment and help turn long-standing plans into reality.
City officials have outlined an ambitious vision for the park upgrade. Plans include new playground equipment designed to accommodate children with physical disabilities, a poured rubber surface to improve safety and accessibility, and inclusive features that allow children with and without disabilities to play together. Once completed, the playground would be the only fully accessible public playground in Lawrence County.
Support for the project has drawn strong backing from area businesses and organizations, with gold sponsors including Hoosier Hills Credit Union, TDS, Radius Indiana, The 3C Group, Baird, WBIW/Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits 105.5 WQRK/102.5 LiteFM, and WorkOne, among others. LCCF leaders say the broad support reflects a shared commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for families across the county.
Community members interested in contributing to the playground project can send donations payable to the City of Mitchell, with a note in the memo indicating the funds are for the playground project. Checks can be mailed to 407 S. Sixth St., Mitchell, IN 47446. Organizers encourage residents to give what they can and help ensure every child has a place to play, explore, and thrive.
Those involved say the project is about more than new equipment — it’s about inclusion, dignity, and investing in the future of Mitchell’s children, one swing and slide at a time.
