Centerville Noon Optimist Club Donation Funds Universal Changing Table at Oak Grove Park

Thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, the Centerville-Washington Park District (CWPD) has installed a universal changing table in the family restroom at Oak Grove Park’s Noon Optimist Shelter. The donation covered approximately 40% of the project’s cost, with CWPD funding the remaining 60%. This marks the second universal changing table available in a CWPD park, joining one previously installed at Activity Center Park.

Universal changing tables provide a safe, private, and dignified space for older children and adults with developmental disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs requiring incontinence care. The addition enhances accessibility and ensures that more visitors can fully enjoy CWPD’s parks.

“Restrooms ranked as one of the top five most important park amenities on our most recent community survey. By installing a universal changing table in the family restroom at Oak Grove Park, we have broken down another barrier to providing park spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said Kristen Marks, Executive Director of the Centerville-Washington Park District.

The location is especially meaningful. South Dayton TOPSoccer, a program serving children and young adults with disabilities, plays soccer in the parking lot directly adjacent to the shelter. The new amenity provides added convenience and peace of mind for players and their families.

“Our club is proud to invest in projects like this that strengthen our community and help children thrive,” said Paul Boeckman, President of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club.

A statement from the South Dayton TOPSoccer Board reads, “Twice a week from August through November, more than 140 players across eight teams — including a wheelchair team — come together to play soccer. We are grateful to the Centerville Noon Optimist Club and CWPD for providing a facility equipped with a universal changing table, ensuring our players and their families have easy access and a welcoming environment.”

Oak Grove Park, located at 1790 E. Social Row Road, is a 102-acre community park. It features athletic fields, two playgrounds, paved walking paths, a dog park, tennis courts, five picnic shelters and a fishing pond, making it a popular gathering space for recreation and community events.

CWPD extends heartfelt gratitude to the Centerville Noon Optimist Club for their commitment to making local parks accessible to all.