Shor Park, the 53-acre park at the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Tealtown Road, is a blank canvas when it comes to park development. The Clermont County Park District is looking to change that with the installation of unique playground on the land.

“When we started working on a master concept plan for the park, we wanted to develop an area for the park that was all-inclusive to people of varying abilities,” said Chris Clingman, director of the park district.

The district presented concepts of the park as well as examples of what it might look like at a public forum June 7. Clingman said the park would be designed for children of all abilities and people of all ages.

The park district is partnering with the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities on the project, and the organization will help collect input, make decisions and raise funds.

The park would accommodate children using mobility devices and would also feature activities for adults and seniors. Clingman said the playground could include anything from boulders and climbing equipment, that might be appealing for teenagers, to exercise areas designed to for older adults.

“It’s a big idea for us,” Clingman said about the playground. “It hopefully will encourage more activity in families and help with the obesity epidemic, along with allowing children with different abilities.”

Clingman said Shor Park is a good location for the playground because it has not been developed with any park amenities yet. So far only a parking lot and walking trails have been constructed on the land, which was donated to the park district in 2003.

Another reason the park is attractive to house a playground is because of its location. Clingman said nearly 7,000 residents live within a half-mile of the park, which will eventually have sidewalks connecting it to nearby neighborhoods.

“The plan would not only be to bring in these play structures and activities, but also restrooms facilities and picnic shelters for people who are using the park,” Clingman said.

As with any similar construction process, bringing the plan to life will cost a pretty penny. Clingman said the whole plan – playground, sidewalks, facilities and all – could cost up to $2 million. Which is why the park district is looking for plenty of feedback from residents before they move forward with the project.

At the June 8 forum, the district received some feedback, including suggestions to consider shaded or covered areas in the park for visitors. Clingman said many meeting attendees also expressed excitement about the potential playground.

“This type of facility is something we don’t have in Clermont County,” Clingman said. “Other communities have put together versions of these. They’ve been big hits with their residents and have been increasing the qualities of life in those areas.”

Clingman said the district, along with the Clermont County DD, will continue to gather public feedback about the idea, and then begin searching for funding and grants for the project.