A group of organizers backing an effort to have a playground for children with special needs added to Iola’s Riverside Park is drawing closer to its goal.
Mothers of Miracles, which has been raising money for the playground since this summer, announced Monday that a recent pancake feed, coupled with matching funds from Modern Woodmen of America, generated $3,419.37.
That leaves organizers less than $25,000 from their goal of $155,000 to have construction on the playground area begin April 1.
“We’re closer, but we still need donations,” said LeAnn Church, a MOMs member.
“This would be a perfect opportunity for a Christmas gift,” added Nancy Ford, representing the Iola Kiwanis Club, which has become a promiment backer of the effort.
Organizers hope to have the funds on hand by the end of January so ground can be broken by early April.
Weather permitting, the play set — complete with swings, slides and other equipment geared for disabled children — will be ready for use by May 1.
The playground is designed so other features can be added as more funds arrive, Ford said.
“We’re going to keep looking at grants or other fundraising after the first part is done,” she said.
The group already has received substantial support from the community.
Kiwanis International awarded MOMs a $25,000 grant, matched by Iola’s city council. Iola Rotarians added $2,500 to the kitty in November.
Volunteers will be integral in the playground’s installation as well, with the only cost for a certified installer necessary to show the workers how the equipment is assembled.
If the full amount is not raised, the project will be scaled back accordingly.
AS THE fundraising deadline draws closer, anyone willing to contribute may contact Mike Ford at the Iola Police Department at 365-9494 or MOMs member Nancy Skahan at 363-4340.
