Local group wins 100 Women funding

NORTH FAIRFIELD — A local volunteer group is moving closer to adding an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible restroom to its community park after receiving support from 100 Women Making a Difference. The North Fairfield Improvement Group was selected for funding during the organization's most recent quarterly meeting, where three Huron County nonprofits were considered. The other finalists were Huron County Special Olympics and Firelands Rails to Trails. Wendy Oney, president of the North Fairfield Improvement Group, said the need for an accessible restroom became clear during a recent event at the park. Oney said the group invited visitors attending Artists' Open Studio to the reopening of the park following a series of upgrades. Improvements included a paved walking path, ADA-accessible picnic tables, a pickleball court, resurfaced basketball courts and upgrades to a volleyball court. An all-inclusive unity basket swing is also scheduled for installation in May. However, Oney said one key feature was missing. "It didn't include an ADA-accessible bathroom," she said. The group has already raised $8,500 toward the restroom project. The approximately $15,000 contribution from 100 Women Making a Difference will bring the total closer to the estimated $58,000 cost. Oney said the project is part of a broader effort to continue improving the park and making it accessible to all residents. The North Fairfield Improvement Group also has several events planned for the remainder of the year, including a community garage sale on May 2, a bike rodeo on June 6 and the North Fairfield Street Fair from July 31 through Aug. 1. Additional events include a Halloween celebration on Oct. 31, the Trotting Turkey 5K and Kids Fun Run on Nov. 26 and Frosty's Block Party on Dec. 5. Annual programs include a Hometown Heroes initiative and an Easter egg hunt. During the meeting, representatives from the other two organizations also outlined their work in the community. Jaime Perry, coordinator for Huron County Special Olympics, said the program serves both youth and adults with disabilities. The county currently offers sports including basketball, softball, powerlifting and cornhole. Perry said the program helps participants develop athletic skills while also building confidence and communication abilities. About 30 individuals take part, competing against teams from other areas. Participants shared their experiences during the presentation. Cassidie Akins, who has participated in powerlifting for three years and also plays basketball, said competing at Ohio State University was a highlight. "I loved it," she said. Keyondrea Warnke, who was injured while playing basketball, now assists as a team manager. She helps keep score, manages game books and operates the scoreboard. "I've learned to never give up," Warnke said, adding that she values being part of the team and community. Jan Tkach, board member and secretary for Firelands Rails to Trails, said the organization is working to raise funds for a maintenance building at the Monroeville depot. The structure would provide centralized storage for equipment used to maintain the bike trail, which spans Huron County and is part of the North Coast Inland Trail connecting Lorain County to Sandusky. Tkach said the trail includes several notable features, including the Ruth L. Chapin Bridge in Wakeman, the Kiwanis Scenic Overlook in Norwalk and the Monroeville depot. "It is a treasure for the county," she said. According to Tkach, trail cameras show an average of about 2,000 users per week. Visitors from 24 states and 11 countries have signed the trail's log. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and raises more than $50,000 annually for maintenance and improvements. About $20,000 has already been raised toward the $60,000 cost of the proposed maintenance building. 100 Women Making a Difference meets four times a year. Members nominate nonprofits serving Huron County, and three are selected at random during each meeting to present their work. Members then vote, with each contributing $100 to the selected organization. While votes were being counted at the most recent meeting, representatives from The Outlet in North Fairfield, which received funding at the group's final 2025 meeting, provided an update on their project. Mary Green said the $15,500 awarded is being used to remodel the center's kitchen and add laundry facilities. About $11,000 is allocated for equipment and remodeling, with remaining funds designated for exterior painting, window repairs, plumbing and electrical work for the washer and dryer, and upgrades including a projector and surround sound system. The next 100 Women Making a Difference meeting is scheduled for July 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the art gallery next to the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center at Norwalk High School.