Olander Park System plans playground tribute

Olander Park System will dedicate a portion of the Catherine Frye PlayScape to the late Bonita Scheidel, who dedicated her life to public service in Sylvania.

Olander Park System will dedicate a portion of the Catherine Frye PlayScape to the late Bonita Scheidel, who dedicated her life to public service in Sylvania.

The Scheidel Walkway will feature musical instruments, a theater stage, and interactive educational components to allow children to expand their imagination in a creative, hands-on environment, Olander Park Director Gary Madrzykowski said. It will be part of the PlayScape under construction.

Mrs. Scheidel, who served on Sylvania City Council for eight years and was chairman of the Parks and Forestry Committee, was integral in negotiating the long-term lease the park hashed out with Hanson Aggregates Midwest Inc. for the site which became Fossil Park, he said.

Moreover, he said her public career and personal service was devoted to children and their health, recreation, and personal benefit, making the walkway a rightful tribute to her.

A dedication ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Aug. 18, Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave. For more information, visit olanderpark.com.

Mrs. Frye initiated the park around 1960. In 1963 she and the other founders, Milton Olander and Jack Callahan, opened it to the public.