On Thursday, September 11, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD, the Board) passed a resolution declaring the Board to be in a state of fiscal emergency due to the fact that our projected expenses will far exceed our local tax collection for the first quarter of 2027.
Tonya Engel Memorial Playground Dedicated as an Inclusive Space for All Children
Morgan Township celebrated a meaningful milestone on Saturday, March 21, with the ribbon cutting of the Tonya Engel Memorial Playground, an inclusive space designed to ensure children of all abilities can play, explore, and connect!
The playground, made possible through the generosity and vision of the Engel family, stands as a tribute to Tonya S. Engel and her love for children. Thoughtfully designed with accessibility at its core, the space features wheelchair and stroller-friendly turf, a sensory tunnel, a “cozy dome” for children who may feel overwhelmed, a communication board, and a fully fenced perimeter for added safety.
BCBDD Superintendent Lee Ann Emmons was invited to speak at the ceremony, recognizing both the impact of the space and the intention behind it.
“It was an honor to get the opportunity to help dedicate the Tonya Engel Memorial Playground in Morgan Township,” said Emmons. “This inclusive play space reminds us that while play is a universal experience for children, not all are able to access play spaces in the same way without accommodation. The Engel family took the time to ensure that this playground was inclusive to all children with adapted equipment and a communication board. It is a beautiful, welcoming place for children and their families to enjoy!”
The Hamilton Community Foundation also played a key role in supporting the project. As a grant-making nonprofit, the foundation partners with donors to create lasting impact across the community.
Jacob Stone-Welch of the Hamilton Community Foundation shared that this was one of his first projects with the foundation, and he couldn’t be more grateful for the outcome.
“This is such a meaningful gift for the township and surrounding community,” Stone-Welch said. “Thank you to the family for honoring Tonya’s legacy in such a beautiful way.”
The vision for the playground aligns with a broader effort in Morgan Township to create more inclusive, family-friendly spaces. As highlighted in a Journal-News article by Sean Scott, the goal is simple but powerful: to build a place “where kids of all abilities can come and play.” Scott said Sandra Tyler, chair of the Morgan Township Park Advisory Board and a parent of a child with disabilities, understands firsthand the challenges families face when appropriate play spaces are far from home.
“It doesn’t matter what your abilities are,” Tyler said. “It’s about feeling welcome and encouraged to do whatever you can and live your best life.”
For many families like Tyler’s, the nearest accessible playgrounds previously required a 30-40 minute drive, which is not always feasible. This new playground offers a much-needed local option for children to play safely and comfortably.
Kaylin Engel, who helped lead the project, was inspired in part by her daughter’s friendship with Tyler’s son. She shared that Tonya Engel would have fully supported the playground’s mission.
“She genuinely loved kids and wanted the best for all of them across the board,” Engel said.
Every detail of the playground was intentionally designed to reflect both inclusivity and Tonya’s legacy. From the use of her favorite color, purple, to a custom camper structure inspired by her love of camping, the space blends personal tribute with purposeful design. Equipment was also arranged to keep ALL children playing side by side, rather than separated.
“Families that have multiple kids and only maybe one with disabilities shouldn’t have to walk all the way across a playground,” Engel noted. “That’s not all-inclusive, and that just adds more stress.”
Now open to the community, the Tonya Engel Memorial Playground stands as more than just a place to play; it is a symbol of compassion, accessibility, and what can happen when a community comes together to ensure every child feels seen, included, and valued!
If you would like to visit the Tonya Engel Memorial Playground, it is located at 3141 Chappel Road, Okeana, Ohio, 45053.
