A new playground donated by McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital/TriHealth had already been in use, but a noon ceremony marked the dedication with unveiling of a plaque signifying that effort.
The Memorial Park marker was a gift from Dick Bunger, a lifelong Milford Twp. resident living in Collinsville.
Bunger was praised for his generous community spirit, not hesitating when asked to make a contribution to the Memorial Park monument.
Also, the playground at Edot Park and its new equipment were officially dedicated.
Township Trustee Paul Gillespie introduced McCullough-Hyde Director of Patient Services Pam Collins, who made the gift to the community official.
“We had talked about new playground equipment. McCullough-Hyde heard about it and stepped in,” Gillespie said.
“McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital is thrilled to be able to provide this wonderful new playground equipment to the children of Darrtown and the surrounding communities,” Collins said. “Child’s play is not just fun and games. Being able to play is important in the development of a child’s body and brain and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Research shows the link between play and brain development, motor skills and social capabilities. All early learning is facilitated through play.”
She said playgrounds promote “free play,” which allows a child to explore according to his or her natural interests or abilities.
“Not only does play promote brain development, it also supports physical success by allowing children to explore, test and expand their limits,” Collins said. “Playing also promotes development of social and oral skills by allowing children to interact with other children and the environment.”
Children playing on the various structures in the playground did not likely realize all of that, but were just having fun before, during and after her comments. Swings available in the area included one in which a young child can be strapped into it while a parent can sit on a seat opposite swinging together with the child.
Collins noted the new playground was also built to allow children with disabilities to actively participate.
Collins reminded those present that the affiliation with TriHealth 18 months ago has seen an expansion of the hospital’s emergency room facilities and construction of a new operating room area will come next.
“This gift is the first in a series of gifts to our communities in our service area which will promote healthy and vibrant living for an entire generation of children,” Collins said. “McCullough-Hyde has proudly served Darrtown for almost 60 years and now, as part of TriHealth, we look forward to continuing our service to you with our commitment to fulfill our vision as the place where employees want to work, physicians want to work and where the community chooses to receive their health care.”
The day may have ended earlier than planned for the second year in a row for the Darrtown Reunion but there were still memories made.
The Ladies Skillet Toss was held before the storm hit, but the Tractor Tire Flip for men was lost to the weather.
“There were 34 women in the Skillet Toss,” said Fred Lindley, one of the members of the organizing committee for the event. “The weather stunted our program a little bit.”
For Lindley, a retired educator and administrator, one of the memories he took away from the event was seeing Talawanda School District Superintendent Kelly Spivey join other district employees to take part in the skillet toss.
“Her actions spoke volumes to other employees about linking to the community,” he said.
The Talawanda High School Jazz Band performed on the town square at 9:30 a.m. until the parade stepped off at 10 a.m., and Lindley said Band Director Mike Marston told him he appreciated the opportunity to take part in the day, praising the small-town feel of the event.
Several bands were able to play before the storm hit and a group of about 30 students from Bogan Elementary danced on stage. A visit by Rox the Oxford Fox, the local symbol for eating healthy, also made an appearance at the event.
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