MITCHELL — Mitchell Parks & Recreation has officially announced the launch of the “Mitchell Playground Project,” an ambitious community fundraising initiative aimed at constructing a modern, fully inclusive playground at Mitchell City Park.
The new park facility will provide a specialized environment where children of all physical, sensory, and developmental abilities can play side by side, effectively removing the physical boundaries present in traditional recreational spaces.
For families navigating physical or cognitive challenges, traditional playgrounds often present hidden obstacles. Conventional wood mulch surfaces can heavily restrict wheelchair mobility, and standard play structures are frequently difficult or impossible to access safely.
The Mitchell Playground Project aims to replace the aging wooden equipment at Mitchell City Park with inclusive, state-of-the-art features. Planned upgrades include a seamless, poured rubber safety surface to maximize mobility, adaptive swings, and specialized sensory play elements designed to accommodate every child.
Once construction is completed, it will stand as the only fully accessible public playground in Lawrence County.
A Major Investment backed by a $50,000 Matching Grant
Bringing the community’s vision to life carries a total project fundraising goal of $800,000. To jumpstart the campaign, the Lawrence County Community Foundation (LCCF) recently awarded a Challenge Grant to the City of Mitchell. The foundation will match local contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, effectively doubling the financial power of grassroots donations.
The campaign has already generated early traction, with local records indicating that $5,770 has been successfully raised from initial neighborhood supporters.
Local business leaders and organizations have also stepped up as gold sponsors to back the initiative, including Hoosier Hills Credit Union, Crane Credit Union, Mitchell High School, Boys Basketball, TDS, Radius Indiana, The 3C Group, Baird, WorkOne, 1340 AM WBIW, and WQRK 105.5 – Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits, El Compadre, Peggy Gerkin, and Mitchell Presbyterian Church.
Organizers emphasize that the upcoming park upgrade represents a vital investment in the social fabric of the city.
“An inclusive playground is about more than accessibility,” Mitchell Parks & Recreation shared in a statement. “It’s a statement that every member of our community matters. Play supports physical health, emotional growth, creativity, and social skills—and when children play together, they learn empathy, cooperation, and understanding.”
How to Support the Project
Community members, civic groups, and local businesses are encouraged to donate what they can to help secure the maximum grant match from the Community Foundation.
Residents can get involved and support the project in two ways:
- Donate Online: Pledges and direct donations can be made securely through the official project crowdfunding page at crowdfunder.com/p/mitchell-playground.
- Donate by Mail: Physical checks can be made payable to the City of Mitchell with “playground project” written clearly in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to City Hall at: Mitchell City Hall, 407 S. Sixth Street, Mitchell, IN 47446
For general inquiries regarding the park project or upcoming city designs, residents can contact the Mitchell Parks & Recreation department during normal business hours at 812-849-5161.
