Park District Developments

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Park District continues its efforts toward making the county an appealing option for its residents, visitors and neighbors. 

Park District Executive Director Russell Edgington shared a progress report of the work that is being done at the Miles Mission Memorial Park located next to the Zanesville Museum of Art.

“Well we’re really excited about the developments that are happening here off Military Road at Miles Mission Memorial Park,” Edgington said. “It’s kind of a unique situation from a park district standpoint. This is a public/private partnership. So we’re partnering with Miles Mission, who’s building the facility here with the nice brick paver paths. There will be a playground component and the primary thing, there’s going to be a statue that will be located behind me that will be a memorial to stillborn children.”

The property was acquired from Wal-Mart around 20 years ago and underwent landscaping renovations through a Clean Ohio Conservation Fund grant. The partnership with Miles Mission began as a concept to build a memorial that adds a meaning to the park. 

“In addition to the paved paths there’s going to be a gazebo, a children’s playground and then of course, the memorial,” Edgington said. “And basically it’s just a place where people can come and quietly reflect but then again with the active component of the playground it also gives folks an opportunity to bring children here and enjoy the natural environment as well.” 

The playground is one of the most popular requests that public park survey participants said they would like to see incorporated into the park system. Edgington hopes to see the memorial project finished this year and the playground added next year.