The End of the Castle Park
BY PATTY KLEIN
Photos by Patty Klein
The Mayor of Findlay has released drawings for a new vision of Emery Adams park. Many adults and kids made great memories at “the castle park,” as the Emory Adams playscape is affectionately called. It is officially known as Fort Findlay.
The current structure includes a castle or fort like structure with places for kids big and small to climb and hide. It has bridges and slides that spark vivid imaginative play.
In recent times, there have been complaints about an era of crime and mischief reported at the park. Although parents are fond of bringing their children to play there, they’ve expressed the need for better security in that area.
At the July 16, 2024 city council meeting, legislation was removed from the agenda regarding the Emory Adams park design. The city was set to vote on spending $500,000 in ARPA funds on changes to the park. That legislation was removed from the agenda. Safety Service Director Rob Martin indicated that the park plan needed more public input.
On August 7, 2024 Mayor Muryn released digital photos of the new park plan. The plans includes demolition of “the castle” playscape. New plans for the park include mostly grassy areas with a few simple playground structures.
Residents' comments on Facebook were highly critical of the simplistic plans. Requests to save the castle playscape structure were numerous. Parents had requests to either save the current structure or build something similar. Some requested addition of a splash pad and more places to climb.
Around the year 2000, “playscapes” became a popular way for communities to come together and build wildly imaginative playground structures through donations from the community. Individuals and businesses donated materials and workmanship to make childrens’ dream playgrounds come true.
In Findlay, the Fort Findlay play structure came to life in 2001. According to the large plaques located at the entrance to Fort Findlay, Whirlpool, Hancock Wood Electric and Dietsch Brothers are just a few of the businesses that contributed to the playground construction. Donations include swing sets, benches, an other materials with donor names imprinted that add to the community feel of the area. Children hand painted tiles that are affixed to the swing set making the equipment special to the children who play there.
Many residents hope to keep their Fort Findlay memories and dreams alive. Another playscape structure was constructed in Davison, Michigan by 2000 volunteers in 1997. Just like Fort Findlay, many Michigan families spent sunny afternoons enriching their childhood memories.
Although the Davison, Michigan structure is older than Fort Findlay, the local residents and government have opted to maintain the castle playscape while also improving and expanding the park around it Findlay has opted for a new look. A free standing wooden wall welcomes guests but does not include a fenced in area that many parents appreciated for the safety of their younger children. A few swings and some exercise type equipment are scattered throughout the mostly grassy area.
Findlay government officials are seeking feedback from the community before work in the park begins. Residents can provide their feedback by taking part in a survey or by contacting their council representative or the Mayors office. Link to the survey can be found on the City of Findlay - Mayor’s Office Facebook page.
