Neighborhood Celebration To Be Held To Unveil Hancock Leadership Project

(From Hancock Leadership)

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2026, a program of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the completion of its class project, Creating Safe Spaces, a community-driven playground installation at Riverview Terrace. The project will be officially unveiled to residents with a neighborhood celebration on May 7, 2026, marking the culmination of a nine-month-long leadership journey focused on service, collaboration, and lasting community impact.

What began as a classroom discussion quickly evolved into a meaningful response to a real community need. Early in the program, the class examined local data and community feedback that highlighted inequities in access to safe recreational spaces, particularly in specific Hancock County neighborhoods. Through conversations with residents, property management, nonprofit partners, and local government leaders, the class unanimously committed to creating a safer, more visible place for children and families to gather and play.

The journey from concept to completion required persistence, adaptability, and teamwork. Class members navigated fundraising, logistics, regulatory approvals, partnership coordination, and volunteer engagement all while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Through strong partnerships with the Center for Civic Engagement, the City of Findlay, Flag City Rotary, Heavenly Pizza, and other community supporters, the vision moved steadily forward.

A key milestone was the relocation and restoration of playground equipment from the former Lincoln School site, an effort that reduced costs but also reflected the project’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. Residents of the neighborhood were actively involved throughout the process, invited to provide input on design and placement to ensure the playground truly reflects the needs and pride of the neighborhood.

The May 7 unveiling celebration will bring together Riverview Terrace residents, project partners, donors, and community leaders to officially welcome the playground as a shared neighborhood asset. The event will serve as both a celebration of completion and a thank-you to the many individuals and organizations who contributed time, expertise, and financial support.

The project’s completion comes just days before the Hancock Leadership Class of 2026 graduates on May 12, 2026, bringing their leadership year to a close. For class members, Creating Safe Spaces stands as a tangible reminder that effective leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and a willingness to step forward when a need is identified. As children begin to enjoy the new playground and neighbors gather in the space, the Hancock Leadership Class of 2026 hopes the project will continue to support connection, belonging, and opportunity for years to come.

For more information about the Hancock Leadership program, please contact the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce or visit https://www.findlayhancockchamber.com/committees/hancock-adult-leadership/ to apply for the Class of 2027!