The village of Ashley will receive a newly enhanced playground and pool area, thanks to funding that the Delaware General Health District received to help local communities improve physical activity and healthy living.

Community residents are invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the playground Saturday at 1 p.m.

Last year, the health district was awarded the Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) grant from the Ohio Department of Health to help local communities combat chronic diseases and conditions, officials said.

The renovations and enhancements in Ashley totaled close to $50,000 and included playground equipment, benches, picnic tables and a grill. The funding also provided chairs, a sweeper and a shade structure for the pool area.

In addition to the village of Ashley, the health district will prioritize work in the neighborhoods of Delaware’s Second Ward and Big Walnut Local School District due to their higher rates of chronic disease, officials said.

Other strategies that will be executed through the five-year CHC project include a focus on increasing access to local farmers markets and community gardens, assessing and implementing a “Safe Routes to School” plan and increasing the number of tobacco-free policies for public spaces in the three priority communities, officials added.