Melissa Shaw, Head Start health and disabilities manager, cut the ribbon on the new expanded Head Start playground behind the Buckeye Lake Food Pantry Wednesday. Licking County Foundation Director Connie Hawk and LEADS CEO Kenneth Kempton joined watched. Beacon photos by Scott Rawdon.
BUCKEYE LAKE – Children in Buckeye Lake Village have a new place to play.
Wednesday, the LEADS Head Start program opened a new expansion to the playground behind the Buckeye Lake Food Pantry on W. 1st Street. The new playground – featuring a new paved area, a flower garden, and a kids-sized village, complete with tiny streets and street signs – was funded through a $5,000 grant from the Licking County Foundation and a $1,000 donation from local McDonald’s franchise owner Don Kissack.
“The children refer to it as their city,” said LEADS CEO Kenneth Kempton. “It turned out great; the children are really enjoying it.”
Melissa Shaw, Head Start health and disabilities manager, said Head Start originally wanted to create a kitchen with the foundation’s $5,000 grant, but discovered it would cost roughly $100,000. A new playground was the next best thing.
“We’re thrilled to be a small part of this,” said Licking County Foundation Director Connie Hawk. “We’re so happy to be able to support this wonderful program.”
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