This month’s Mercer Savings Giving Mission recipient is the Sawyer Overman Ninja Park Fund. Created by the family of Sawyer Overman, this fund will go toward creating a faith-based adventure park in his memory.
Tragically, Sawyer Overman, age 6, passed away in an ATV accident in June of 2020. He had been operating a 2011 Polaris Ranger down a gravel drive between two fields with his 8-year-old brother. Sawyer was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Fort Recovery and attended kindergarten at Fort Recovery Elementary School.
Celebrating a Passion for Adventure
“Sawyer loved ninja parks,” says his mother, Lisa Overman. “He was an outdoorsy kind of kid. Shortly after it happened we wanted to keep his memory alive somehow. And we said that a ninja park in our area would be awesome for him so all of his friends can play on it and think of him.”
According to his obituary, Sawyer played little league baseball, Boomer League basketball and flag football. He often spent time outdoors with his siblings and cousins and enjoyed camping and fishing as well.
Site Selection and Funding
The Overmans have identified an area for the park, and are now in the process of working with the city to raise the required funds to purchase and develop the property. The estimated out-of-pocket costs will be upwards of $250,000, making this an ambitious goal, but one that will positively impact the entire community.
“All donations go directly toward the project,” says Lisa Overman, “the park, the concrete, and everything else for the kids. So they can remember Sawyer. I think it will be a great addition to our town, too.”
How to Support the Sawyer Overman Ninja Park Fund
If you would like to support this fund, donations may be directed to the Sawyer Overman Memorial Fund c/o the Fort Recovery Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Fort Recovery, Ohio 45846.
