061225...R PACKARD P-GROUND 1...Warren...06-12-25...Amina Yacoub, 11, center, and her uncle Adam Yacoub, both of Warren, shoot some hoops at the new playground at Packard Park Thursday morning after the ribbon cutting ceremony...by R. Michael Semple

WARREN — The city of Warren celebrated the ribbon cutting for a new playground and eight-hoop bankshot court at Packard Park on Thursday, enhancing the recreational space alongside the park’s splash pad.

The $210,000 project, funded by U.S. EPA settlement funds, the William Swanston Charitable Grant Fund and the Packard Foundation, aims to provide inclusive outdoor activities for families.

Mayor Doug Franklin highlighted the park’s transformation.

“With the splash pad, a brand-new interactive playground, and now the bankshot court, this space has truly become a destination for families to play, connect and make lasting memories,” he said.

The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership facilitated the project and secured additional funding. TNP Director Matt Martin said, “We raised some additional funds to enhance it a little bit, making it just a little nicer for kids. I think it looks wonderful.”

Trish Johnston, community development representative, noted the funding collaboration.

“We braided (EPA settlement funds) with a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation’s Swanston fund and a $5,000 donation from the Packard Foundation,” she said. “It feels really great to have it done and put together.”