Photo provided to the Times Observer Representatives from the Betts Foundation and Northwest Bank recently presented contributions towards Phase 2 of the Lacy Park Multi-Sensory Playground to the Rotary Club of Warren and the Warren County Development Association. Pictured left to right, are Adam Meneo (Northwest and Rotary), Jim Decker (WCDA), Jennie Miller (Northwest) and Todd Betts (Betts Foundation).

A second phase of improvements aimed at making the Lacy Park Multi-Sensory Playground even more friendly for kids with special needs is about to cross the finish line.

The Betts Foundation and Northwest Bank are the latest entities to contribute to the effort.

“The project is scheduled for completion in the fall,” Adam Meneo, one of the effort’s major advocates, said, “and will replace the existing wood fiber surface with 6,100 square feet of ADA-compliant rubberized safety surface.”

The change is aimed to “provide a more stable and accessible surface for all to enjoy,” he said.

The Times Observer previously reported that the total project cost was estimated at between $85,000 and $100,000.

The county commissioners contributed $10,000 in Act 13 — Marcellus Shale impact fee — funds to the project last year.

Phase one was a project three years in the making and was dedicated in October 2020.

Driven by the Rotary Club, those enhancements went far beyond just the playground though and include new restrooms, parking (which the park previously did not have), a new pavilion, paths to the various park amenities and improvements to the basketball court.

The playground equipment is specifically designed to tailor to special needs children including those with tactile, auditory and sensory challenges. There’s also a swing specifically designed for those in a wheelchair.

The park was originally part of the Lacy family farm and was deeded to the local school board in 1920. The park was born after that school was razed in 1990.