The Centerville-Washington Park District teamed up with youth athletic organizations in the community to provide AED (automated external defibrillators) stations for public use in eight community parks 365 days a year. This is the first installation of its kind in Ohio.
Originally announced in June, the AEDs have now been installed and are operational at Activity Center, Iron Horse, Oak Creek South, Oak Grove, Robert F. Mays, Schoolhouse and Yankee Parks. AED’s are planned at other park locations in the future, including Forest Field Park after an upcoming park renovation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, August 30 at 4:00 p.m. at Activity Center Park will celebrate this life-saving initiative.
The $34,000 project was funded through the Park District’s matching funds program, which provides funds of up to 50% for park projects that benefit the community. The remaining cost was divided between the Centerville United Soccer Association, Centerville Recreational Soccer, Centerville Youth Lacrosse and the Centerville Wee Elks Football Organization.
Thousands of people visit Centerville-Washington Park District parks each week, and many of them are involved in strenuous activity such as athletic games, jogging, biking or other fitness pursuits. The installation of the AEDs will greatly increase a park visitor’s chance of survival in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. “Providing AED’s in parks is another way we can support our residents in their fitness pursuits and provide a new level of service for our park visitors,” said Ken Carter, Park Operations Manager. “We would like to thank the Centerville United Soccer Association, Centerville Recreational Soccer, Centerville Youth Lacrosse and Centerville Wee Elks Football Organization for their generous contributions and support of our community’s health, wellness and safety.”
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED are important skills that can be learned by almost anyone. If you would like to protect the lives of your loved ones, please consider taking a CPR/AED class. Opportunities are available through the following agencies:
- Washington Township Fire Department
- University of Dayton
- YMCA
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
- FireFighter Safe
For more information about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and youth athletics, please visit the Youth Sports Safety Alliance (YSSA).