OhioHealth Donates $50,000 to Revitalize Historic Circleville Park
Community leaders and residents came together at Ted Lewis Park to celebrate OhioHealth’s generous $50,000 donation aimed at restoring the city’s oldest park. The event, hosted by the Friends of Ted Lewis Park, highlighted the plans to breathe new life into a space that’s been a part of Circleville’s history for years.
“At OhioHealth, we believe healthcare extends beyond our facilities. It’s about fostering environments that promote health and well-being,” Casey Liddy, OhioHealth Berger Hospital president told the Scioto Post. Liddy shared how proud OhioHealth was to support an initiative that encourages physical activity and wellness for the whole community.
Karen Morrison, senior vice president, External Affairs and president, OhioHealth Foundation, joined Liddy at the event.
“This partnership is not just about the park; it’s about investing in the future of Circleville,” she said. “We are pleased to contribute to enhancing that health and wellness through our support of Ted Lewis Park. We are delighted to be a part of this community."
OhioHealth’s support went beyond the initial request for new lights for the youth playing field. The field will be renamed “OhioHealth Field” in recognition.
Along with this donation, the city has already allocated $2.5 million for the project, and the Friends of Ted Lewis Park are continuing to raise money for several upgrades.
The community is also looking ahead to new opportunities. After a fire destroyed a shelter house and a mural honoring Ted Lewis, the Friends group has proposed involving local art departments from Pickaway County schools to create new interpretations of the mural, honoring Lewis’ legacy as one of the country’s most famous entertainers of the 1930s and his donation of the land for the park.
Phase two of the park renovations, which will include new basketball courts and enhanced safety measures, is set to begin next year.
