“We are still doing fundraisers and looking for local sponsors,” said Mary Kay Snyder, who works at the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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“A typical playground, like what we used to have and what a lot of people are used to seeing, does not allow access to people with disabilities,” said Snyder. “They might have wood chips, high slides, narrow pathways and multiple levels that they can’t get to. Inclusion playgrounds take care of that. It will work for everybody, kids with or without disabilities.”

Snyder emphasized the need for an inclusion playground in Champaign County, stating that all surrounding counties have inclusion playgrounds that allow easy access for all people.

“This will help bring the community to the park,” said Snyder. “It will help children learn how to play with others at equal levels.”

To make a donation for the EVERYbody Plays playground or to learn more about the project, visit the EVERYbody Plays Inclusion Playground Project Facebook page or contact Snyder at 937-653-1775 or m.snyder@champaigncbdd.org.

The event was held at the Depot Coffeehouse and the Simon Kenton Trail where 99 participants competed in a 5K or 10K race. A 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk or a 1 Mile Mutt Strutt was also offered for participants. Runners also participated virtually and uploaded a photo and time to the event Facebook page. Over 30 dogs also participated in the various events. Blake relied on her 15 volunteers for water stations, registration, awards, photographer and traffic safety. Together the group raised $5,600 for His Hands Extended Sanctuary.

Pre registered participants received goody bags filled with numerous items as well as a t-shirt and finishers medal. Pre registered dogs received a doggy goody bag and all dogs received a treat bag at the finish line.

Participant Mike Gutierrez shared his story and served others as an example of hard work and determination.

Gutierrez has cerebral palsy. His parents were told that he would never walk. With lots of support from his parents and Gutierrez’s own determination, he not only walks, he runs. He ran the 10K in the Furry Scurry on October 9 as well as many other local races. He is currently training for the Happy Half Marathon in Springfield to be held in August.

Joe Rose is a wonderful mentor for Gutierrez. Rose finished his 5K and then went back out on the course to find Gutierrez and run back in with him for the 10K. They share an amazing bond.

The race was not only a successful fundraiser, it also brought together people of all ages. Whether a walker, jogger, runner or dog walker, everyone did something good for his or herself by exercising and taking in the beauty of the Simon Kenton Trail. Everyone also participated in doing something positive for our community. His Hands Extended Sanctuary provides a crucial service to the community with their low-cost clinic. They also take in senior dogs and cats as well as sick and injured pets.

The volunteer group sponsored a race in 2020 called “Run with Heart,” which benefited two local families of babies in need of heart surgery. The group is currently praying about the 2022 race and considering organizations to benefit from next year’s race.

Furry Scurry business sponsors were: ARC Staffing Solutions, B Edwards Surveying, Donay Chiropractic, Johnson Welded Products, KTH Parts Industries, Parker Trutec Urbana, Snyder’s Heating & Cooling, Thrivent and Vallance Okinawan Martial Arts. We also received generous donations from individuals wanting to support the Sanctuary.

The results from the races are as follows.

5K results

Boys under 12: first place, Noah George 31.04; second place, Bently Dingy 40.33.

Girls under 12: first place Hannah George 32.00; second place Haley Whitehead 32.07; third place Madison Whitehead 32.08.

Female 13 – 35: first place, Kayla Reese 31.06; second place MacKenzie Baumgartner
34.16; third place, Jennifer Espich 36.51.

Female over 36: first place and overall winner, Karen Baker 26.53; second place, Tammi
Flaherty 31.06; third place, Emy Varaufhese 31.48.

Male over 36: first place, Linz Vallelil 28.29; second place, Joe Rose 32.10; third place, Daniel Gamble 33.27.

10K results

Under 35 female: first place and overall winner, Kate Tremblay 50.35; second place, Olivia Huffman 57.07; third place, Emilee Gieseke 57.55.

Under 35 males: first place, Samuel Gieseke 52.50; second place, Mike Gutierrez 1.24.11.

Over 35 females: first place, Kelly Jacobs 54.13, second place, Mary J Huffman 57.04; third
place, Kely Pryfogel 1.01.00.

Over 35 male: first place, Tom Huffman 54.13.

The Champaign County Animal Welfare League's Dog Park and Trails will be having its grand opening on Sunday, September 26th from 2:00pm-5:00pm!

There will be food prepared by Recovery Zone of Urbana, live music by Charlie Tatman, prizes, and 10% off new memberships! Come out to see the new dog park and walking trails and have some fun!

Located at 3858 ST RT 56, Mechanicsburg.

The 225-acre park is a destination due to its valuable biodiversity and breadth of life forms, making it unique from other natural parks in the state.

Dr. Dave Smith, owner of Freshwater Farms and the committee’s aquaculture expert, described the “rich seasonal palette of natural beauty” resulting from six lakes and miles of hiking trails.
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On July 18, the park will be open for a preview day with a plethora of events to welcome families, educators, corporate partners and others to experience the park.

While guests won’t be allowed to fish or enter the water on this preview day, activities will abound for all age groups and nature enthusiasts. Other educational displays and activities will be provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and three local libraries. Water demonstrations of paddleboard yoga, kayaking, and canoeing with Birch Bark Canoe Livery will be seen from the big lake. Hands-on nature exploration with Tinkergarten therapists to promote wellness in children will also be a must-see. Attendees can learn about amphibians, dragonflies, invasive plants, goats as sustainable weed control, and hike a number of trails all at the event.

Advisory committee member Allison Cox says she joined the re-opening effort to help create “generational change and bring together nature and wellness.”

The other members reflect similar interests in nature, wildlife habitats, hiking, camping, and community partnerships. Future events are being developed, and community members are encouraged to visit the City of Urbana’s website under the Parks and Recreation section if they have questions or wish to volunteer.

The park is trash-free, so attendees should not bring any disposables onto the property. Those attending on Sunday are encouraged to wear sunscreen, bring a reusable water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes to the park.

To volunteer at this event, click here!

The building capacity will be greatly reduced during this time. Extra staff will be available to help direct visitors. If you see a group in the building, please wait outside until they leave the building. Please help us by following all directions on signs on the doors and around the building. Please follow all social distancing guidelines while in the Nature Center and Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering.

Credit card use is preferred for admission fees at this time. The gift shop will be open to ADULTS ONLY. Please help by keeping children out of the gift shop. Inventory will be somewhat reduced at this time.
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The boardwalk will remain accessible Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Please remember, restrooms will not be available except when the Nature Center is open.