ACCESSIBLE HAPPY TRAILS PLAY ZONE OPENS IN CALDWELL

Children of all abilities now have a new place to play, courtesy of the Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, OSU Extension Noble County, and a number of  community partners.

The Happy Trails Play Zone is a fully accessible playground that recently opened at the Noble County Fairgrounds. The playground includes a variety of engaging, interactive play elements that remove barriers for children with developmental differences and other needs.

A communication board at the playground further promotes inclusion by giving children new ways to communicate so they can build friendships and share in the joy of play.

A dedication ceremony will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Happy Trails. Pastor Stephen Hannum will provide the opening prayer with remarks from Noble DD Board Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn and recognition of community partners by OSU Extension Community Development Coordinator Dawn Schultheis. Emily’s Sweets will have her lemonade stand and Rollin with Affy will offer pepperoni rolls and baked goods. Balloon artist Chris Wells will also be present at the dedication.

The Happy Trails Play Zone was created through a grant from the Noble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, support from OSU Extension Noble County, and these community partners: Noble County Health Department, Noble County Commissioners, Noble County CVB, The Farmers & Merchants Bank, Jeff and Darlene Minosky, Barry & Nancy Snook, King Quarries, Inc., Patty’s Place, Sue Snode-State Farm Insurance, Caldwell Redi-Mix, Matix Reed, Orry Smithberger, Rixton Dimmerling, and Pine Tree Towing.

For more information, call Dawn Schultheis at 740-732-5681.

 

  1. Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Halley's Ridge Cemetery Pavilion

    Aug. 31, 2026

    On Sunday, August 30, community members gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the new Halley's Ridge Cemetery Pavilion.

    This project was made possible through a 2024 Community Development Block Grant Allocation Grant, along with the partnership and support of the Noble County Commissioners, Noble Township Trustees, and the Halley 's Ridge Cemetery Association.

  2. Noble County Publishes 2025 Extension In Action Report

    Jun. 08, 2026

    The Ohio State University Extension program in Noble County has published its 2025 Community Impact Report.

    Click here to read the report

  3. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING #2

    May. 20, 2026

    The County of Noble intends to apply to the Ohio Department of Development for funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program, a federally funded program administered by the state. The county is eligible for Program Year 2026 CDBG funding from the Allocation grant and the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant, provided the county meets the applicable program requirements. On February 9, 2026, Noble County conducted a public hearing to inform citizens about the CDBG programs.

  4. WE ARE HIRING! Community Development Educator

    May. 13, 2026

    WE ARE HIRING! Apply to be the Noble County Community Development Educator by May 26th!

    To apply visit: go.osu.edu/noblecdeducator

  5. Summerfield Community Meeting

    Mar. 24, 2026

    Attention Summerfield Residents!

    Your voice can make a big difference for Summerfield.

    We have an opportunity to strengthen our application for a $750,000 neighborhood revitalization grant—and community participation is key. The more residents who attend and share input, the higher our application scores.

    Join us at the April 18 community meeting from 3-5 p.m.at Dillingham's Lasting Impressions, 601 E. Cross St.to:

  6. New Fact Sheet Published on Brownfield Redevelopment

    Mar. 07, 2026

    Now Available on Ohio State Extension Ohioline  CDFS-4123-Brownfield Redevelopment

    Community Brownfield Redevelopment: Preparing Sites for New Opportunities

  7. Noble County Community Garden Applications LIVE

    Mar. 02, 2026

    We're thrilled to announce the launch of the first year of the Noble County Community Garden program! Begining March 2,2026, community members can apply for a garden plot for the 2026 gardening season. 

    How to Apply

    Download the full packet here: 

    Noble County Community Garden Application Packet 

  8. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING #1

    Feb. 04, 2026

    2026 Community Devlopment Block Grant Program

    The County of Noble intends to apply to the Ohio Department of Development for funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program, a federally funded program administered by the State. The county is eligible for $150,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 CDBG funding, provided the county meets applicable program requirements.

  9. Gelley promoted to assistant professor

    Feb. 04, 2026

    Congratulations to Christine Gelley on her promotion to assistant professor in the faculty track with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University!

    Since 2016, Christine Gelley has served as the Noble County Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her specialization is forage crops and livestock, with additional focuses on natural resource management and horticulture. Learn more about Christine at https://go.osu.edu/gelley

  10. Ohio State Extension Community Development to Host Nonprofit Development Roundtable

    Jan. 29, 2026

    Connect with other Noble County nonprofits to strengthen, collaborate, share resources and support community development efforts. Ohio State University Extension Community Development will host a nonprofit development roundtable Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Noble County Extension Office Public Conference Room at 46049 Marietta Rd. in Caldwell. 

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