Long-awaited playground becomes reality

Commercial grade playground equipment have been in the minds of Venango residents for at least 20 years.

The Venango Lions put up some playground equipment at the American Legion site many years ago, and it became known as the Lions Park. 

The park provided children a place to play when events were held.

Equipment over the years have been installed and removed at the park. Swings and some ring trapeze have survived the years. The Orville Dudden Family donated a “KiddiePillar” jungle gym in the 1990’s. Approximately 10 years ago a more substantial residential play set was installed by the Lions. Smaller play equipment—air planes, helicopter and diggers have been purchased by the Lions.

After the old filling station on the corner beside the Lions Park became dilapidated, the Village of Venango acquired the lot. The Village of Venango, along with the Lions, promoted a commercial grade play set on the empty lot.

The Village of Venango and the Lions Club researched commercial playground equipment, and with financial assistance from the Village of Venango , the Venango Lions, the Perkins County Community Foundation, the Venango American Legion, and businesses a new set was ordered.

On June 21 the play set became a reality. Over 20 volunteers from the area gathered to help fulfill a dream many years in the making.