Logan’s Oasis Playground at Marilla Park in Streator unveils blueprints

Logan’s Oasis Organization’s planned playground at Marilla Park in Streator took a big step Tuesday when Melissa Crank announced she recently received blueprints.

The playground will be installed near the center of Marilla Park, just north of the main road and slightly past the new pavilion.

As part of the blueprints, the playground will feature a variety of equipment, including four slides, monkey bars, a merry-go-round, a see-saw and two park benches.

A unique addition to the space will be a red spring rider motorcycle, dedicated in memory of Logan Crank, Melissa’s son and who the playground is named after.

The playground also will include a handicapped-accessible play area and an autism interaction zone, ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy the park.

Along with this, Crank confirmed she will soon have 3-D AI blueprints to share with the community. However, she noted all blueprints to this point are subject to change.

Logan’s Oasis has been hosting multiple fundraisers recently, including a quarter auction this Thursday and painting party fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 18.

Crank noted the fundraising effort is getting closer to its goal of $65,000, with $25,000 more to raise.

If the organization can get there, it would secure a matching grant from the playground manufacturer. Without the grant, the total cost of the project would exceed $100,000.

Although the timeline is still unofficial, Crank said the fundraiser is making great progress and hopeful the playground will begin installation in June or July this year.

In addition to in-person fundraisers, Crank hosts live Facebook auctions at 9 p.m. every Sunday night on her personal Facebook page.

Monetary donations are still being accepted through the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.

Checks can be mailed to SRCCF/Logan’s Oasis, 241 Marquette St., La Salle, IL 61301. Online donations can be made by visiting the SRCCF website and selecting Logan’s Oasis from the list of supported organizations.

For more general information or to donate for the live auctions, visit Logan’s Oasis Organization’s Facebook page and contact Melissa Crank directly at mcrank1973@gmail.com.