Group hopes to add inclusive playground equipment to Greensburg's Mt. Odin Park

The playground at Greensburg’s Mt. Odin Park soon could be the focus of a revitalization project headed by members of a local leadership organization.

The project, proposed by five members participating in the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Westmoreland program, which is aimed at fostering the development and growth of community leaders, would bring several inclusive playground pieces to the park, giving children of all abilities the chance to play.

“Our plan for this project is definitely the focus on the inclusive equipment,” said Sarah Rebitch, one of the members of the group. “There aren’t a whole ton of places around the Greensburg area for children of all different abilities to be able to come and play and enjoy. That’s something we’re really excited about.”

According to Rebitch, director of marketing at The Cole Health Institute, group members were tasked with creating a project that would better the community as part of their nine-month class. Because of the pandemic, Rebitch said the group wanted to focus on a project that children would be able to enjoy even if covid-related restrictions were still in place.

After several brainstorming sessions, group member David Paulone — construction superintendent for Donald A. Paulone Custom Built Homes — thought of Mt. Odin Park, a place where he spent time with his family growing up, Rebitch said.

“We kind of thought that Mt. Odin was a park that we could revitalize and add some new equipment and bring some life into it so that it was a place that people wanted to visit again and bring their kids there,” Rebitch said.

The group — which in addition to Rebitch and Paulone is composed of Ryan Fisher, commercial loan officer at Somerset Trust Company; Michelle Michaelis, patient experience manager at UPMC Passavant; and David Yurko, senior drafting supervisor at Elliott Group — then got to work raising funds for the project.

According to Rebitch, the project would be completed in two phases, depending on how much money the group can raise.

The first phase would cost roughly $12,000 and would add sensory panels that allow light to shine through, creating different colors and textures; a 10 spin, or a spinning piece of equipment that people can either sit or stand on; and a SpinAtorium, a round piece of equipment consisting of beads that can be spun around what looks like a world map.

The first phase of the project also will add park benches to the area.

A second phase would bring the project total to $19,000 and would add additional sensory panels to the playground as well as a piece called Odyssey Hall, a tall structure with several items hanging from the top that children can walk through.

“We are still in the process of raising funds and gathering donations, so we’re pretty close to hitting the first phase. But ideally, we can raise even more money and be able to add on a few pieces in the second phase,” Rebitch said, noting if people want to donate to the project, they can email her at sarah.rebitch@drbillcole.com.

Rebitch said the group is hoping to order the playground equipment in the next few weeks. The goal is to have everything installed by the end of summer.

Lydia Kinkaid, recreation program manager for Greensburg, said the proposal for the project was unanimously approved by city council.

“It was a win win for the City of Greensburg because it’s a group that really wants to help out the community by updating this park, and we get an updated amenity,” Kinkaid said.