Earlier this week, more than 100 community members and partners gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Legendary Adventure Zone, a new inclusive playground in Noble County designed for children of all abilities.
The project was led by Dawn Schultheis, community development program coordinator with OSU Extension in Noble County. In 2024, she began working closely with local families and partners to bring the vision of an accessible play space to life—one that ensures all children, regardless of ability, can play and thrive.“This project is a powerful example of how Extension improves the lives of those we serve,” said David Civittolo, interim assistant director of OSU Extension’s Community Development program. “Dawn’s leadership and dedication will be celebrated both locally and across Ohio, especially by those who have been traditionally underserved in public play spaces.”
The new playground reflects the heart of community development—listening, collaborating, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 10, 2025
CONTACT: DAWN SCHULTHEIS, OSU EXTENSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR, 740-305-3183
Mother’s Vision Becomes Reality with Opening of Legendary Adventure Zone
BELLE VALLEY – It was a joyful day as the Noble County community gathered to dedicate an extraordinary playground designed for children of all abilities.
With the sound of children’s laughter in the background, the Legendary Adventure Zone officially opened at the Belle Valley Community Park on July 8, 2025. More than 100 attendees came together to witness the realization of one mother’s heartfelt vision, inspired by her son, now brought to life for families across Noble County.
When Amanda Myers recognized the lack of safe and accessible play opportunities for children like her son, Charlie, who has autism, she decided to do something about it. In 2024, she reached out to Dawn Schultheis, Community Development Program Coordinator for OSU Extension, and Gloria Llewellyn, Superintendent/CEO of the Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, to begin exploring solutions. They were soon joined by Sheila Baker and Marilyn Phalin of the Belle Valley Action Committee, and a planning team was formed. Acting as Project Coordinator, Schultheis began seeking funds from various community organizations and agencies. DWA Recreation dba GameTime, a leading provider of accessible playground equipment, provided one of the first grants along with the Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities and OSU Extension Community Development.
In her remarks at the dedication, Gloria Llewellyn noted that the Legendary Adventure Zone is a symbol of what is possible when people come together for a common purpose.
“What you see here today is a dream brought to life through the power of compassion, determination, and community,” she said.
For Amanda Myers and her family, the Legendary Adventure Zone represents what her son and other children with disabilities offer.
“Charlie and many other kiddos with special needs are showing others to look at life from a different lens, to slow down and listen, and see the beauty they have to give to a friendship. It’s a life lesson that cannot be forgotten, and that is what the Legendary Adventure Zone is,” Amanda said.
Playground features include a GameTime PowerScape structure, sensory wave seat, whirlwind seat, an inclusive whirl, bay swing frame equipped with an Expression Adaptive Swing Seat and Zero-G Swing Seat, and a communication board for children who do not use words.
The Legendary Adventure Zone was made possible by the following contributors:
Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, OSU Extension Community Development, Noble County Health Department, Pine Tree Towing, Caldwell Redi Mix Company, Inc. Premium Poured Walls, James and Janis McVicker, DT Midstream, Belle Valley Action Committee, Caldwell Food Center, Adam, Jordan, and Jettson Cline, Farmers & Merchants Employee Group, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Dakota and Amber Hornak, Brandon and Rachel Konkler, Lashley Tractor Sales, Marianne’s Food Station, Midway Greenhouse, Patty’s Place, LLC, Sue Snode-State Farm Insurance, Hartman & Sons Construction, Virgil and Jane Thompson, Junior and Sheila Ackerman, and the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.
In addition to the grant from DWA Recreation, designer and playground equipment provider, additional funding was received from the Marathon Thriving Community Grant.
The Legendary Adventure Zone, located at 109 South Main Street in Belle Valley, is open from dawn to dusk.
Ohio State helps bring inclusive playground to life in Noble County | CFAES
Additional pictures from the dedication.
