New natural-based playground coming to Downtown Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — What was once a rarely used space in Downtown Wheeling is about to be transformed into a unique area for children.

It also helps fill a major need for families in many areas.

The leadership team from Newbridge Academy, along with City officials, broke ground on a new natural-based playground area.

It will be located on the north end of the Plaza on Market.

The playground will be part of the Newbridge Academy, which is a new, non-profit child care center.

It will be opened to the public during non-school hours and will be surrounded by fencing, security cameras, and lighting.

This playground enables us to launch a childcare facility at this location./ That enables us to meet a lot of the needs for child care in the Ohio Valley. It’s going to look a lot different than what you would typically see at a playground. Not a lot of plastic. A lot of trees and natural elements to connect kids with nature.”

Chris Figaretti, Lead Pastor, Newbridge Church

The project is funded, in part, by the City of Wheeling American Rescue Plan.

It is expected to be completed by August.

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