By Kevin Eckhoff of Passavant Area Hospital
Healthy Jacksonville, a Passavant Area Hospital-led program to increase access to healthcare for at-risk city residents on the northeast side of Jacksonville, sponsored Build Day Wednesday, September 2 at Minnie Barr Park.
Healthy Jacksonville joined with other community partners to give the park, located on West Walnut Street, a new look with the goal of providing residents in the neighborhood a safe and accessible park for exercise and family events. Many community partners were involved in the park renovation, including neighborhood residents, Jacksonville Police Department, the local chapter of the NAACP, Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen and the Morgan County Housing Authority.
During Build Day, volunteers installed new playground structures, one for children ages 2 to 10 years old and one for teens. Volunteers included staff from Healthy Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville, Rotary, Kiwanis and installers from Fergie’s Build-n-Play.
Community partners helping to fund the renovation include Passavant Area Hospital, the Passavant-Gatorade Race, City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Children’s Foundation (formed by the park’s founder Minnie Barr), Jacksonville Rotary Clubs, Rotary District 6460, Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, Amvets, Aldi’s and DOT Foods. Healthy Jacksonville was awarded a $15,000 grant last year from Keurig Dr. Pepper and the national non-profit KaBoom to assist with the renovation.
Additional plans, based on funding, include replacing the basketball court, adding trees, lighting and security cameras and a commemorative sign.
