Jungle-themed music park opens in Fostoria

FOSTORIA — Fostoria now has "a brand-new attraction designed to bring joy, creativity and connection to the community" at the intersection of Main and North streets in the city's downtown corridor, a news release from the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation says.Jungle Jam Park, adjacent to the Parkette, has opened as an outdoor, jungle-themed music park, which features nature-inspired musical instruments that allow children and families to delve into sound and rhythm in an interactive way, according to the release."Designed with an adventurous jungle theme, the park is intentionally built for children as young as 1-year-old, offering sensory-friendly, accessible instruments and play elements that encourage creativity and collaboration for visitors of all ages," the news release says.A mural in the park, displaying a giraffe, an elephant, a lion, a monkey and a zebra, was created by local artist Sue Gehring, who is credited with the park's overall design and artistic vision, the news release says. Another piece of art in the park is a commissioned sculpture of a zebra produced by Ken Thompson of Blissfield, Michigan, who is the founder and administrator of the Midwest Sculpture Initiative.The release says funding for Jungle Jam Park was provided through the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, which has the mission of improving the area's quality of life."Jungle Jam Park is a wonderful example of what can happen when creativity, community spirit and generosity come together," Renee Smith, president of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, was quoted as saying in the release. "This project adds to the vibrancy of our downtown and gives families a fun and engaging space to gather. We are grateful to everyone involved in this project, especially Sue Gehring, who spearheaded this project and worked tirelessly to see it brought to fruition."While the park is open, finishing touches such as decorative lighting are planned. The lighting is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, according to the release.