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VWCF pledges half Franklin Park cost

VW independent/VW County Foundation information

The design for what will be known as Franklin Park was created by architects commissioned by philanthropist Scott Niswonger. (submitted graphic)
The design for what will be known as Franklin Park was created by architects commissioned by philanthropist Scott Niswonger. (submitted graphic)

In August 2013, Van Wert native Scott Niswonger pledged up to $500,000 to create a unique park on the site of the former Franklin Elementary School.

This past week, in an unusual move and by unanimous vote, The Van Wert County Foundation Board of Trustees pledged to provide the remaining funds necessary for the construction of what will be known as Franklin Park.

This commitment was made as an enhancement to additional funds that were previously pledged by the Niswonger Foundation. The Van Wert County Foundation also pledged funding for future capital repairs for the park.

The conceptual design for the park (at right) shows a walking path, a youth playground with mushroom fountains, a toddler playground, basketball court, volleyball court, pickleball court, and a seasonal ice-skating rink.

Eva Yarger
Eva Yarger

A shelter house reminiscent of the façade of the former school is also planned. The park includes space designated for sculpture, while appropriate trees, landscaping, and signage complete the design. Implementation and construction of the park will be dependent upon approval by the City of Van Wert.

The foundation Board of Trustees also announced the election of attorney Eva Yarger as the newest trustee of the foundation. The election occurred at the foundation’s semi-annual meeting held Tuesday, December 9.

Born in Van Wert, Yarger is a graduate of Elida High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, with minors in English and economics, from The Ohio State University. She was awarded a law degree from Arizona State University.

Yarger is an active partner with Young and Yarger law firm and serves as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office.

Foundation trustees also reviewed scholarship activity for the 2014-2015 year. More than 200 students received funds totaling in excess of $550,000. Scholarship grants were made possible through the specific bequest of donors and were distributed in the name of the fund set forth by each donor.

Bequest activity was also reviewed and approved. The foundation distributed a combined total of approximately $830,000 in specific set-asides as directed by donors, or through grant requests for the 2014 fiscal year that aligned with the mission of the foundation. Funds were also dedicated towards requests made by qualifying organizations for the 2015 fiscal year.

For more information about The Van Wert County Foundation, including how one can make a charitable or estate contribution, contact Executive Secretary Seth Baker at 419.238.1743, email info@vanwertcountyfoundation.org, or visit the office at 138 E. Main St. in Van Wert.

POSTED: 12/15/14 at 8:52 am. FILED UNDER: News