Miracle League Playground project sets new fund-raising goal

Organizers expect that by the end of the summer, Pike County children of all abilities will be able to play side by side at the Miracle League Playground.

“We are in the can do mode,” said Playground Board Co-chair Ivan Merritt. “We will be able to accomplish the base.”

At a recent Troy City Council meeting, the council voted to award a construction bid of $171,447 to J.A. Dawson and Co. for the base project plus an alternate build that will include a playground structure, rubber safety surfacing, sidewalk, benches, swings and shade canopies.

Until this month, the fund-raising goal for the project was $200,000 but the group is only about $10,000 shy of that mark.

“Our goal, realistically, has changed,” said Dan Smith, co-chair of the board.

“We’ve got the cake,” Merritt echoed. “$222,000 is going to be the icing on the cake.”

The extra money raised will allow for the complete playground project, with all alternate build options, to come to fruition.

The board is hoping that more community members will see the value in the playground that will allow children in wheelchairs, with autism, and with no medical needs at all to enjoy a day at the park together.

A fund-raiser yard sale is planned for June 8 at the Troy Parks and Recreation Department. Anyone who would like to purchase a booth can do so for $20, with that money going toward the playground project.

Donated items can also be dropped off at the Recreation Department with proceeds from their sale going to the playground.

Smith said he is hopeful the community will continue to be generous, and that maybe even some area business can offer services such as concrete work or landscaping as a donation.

“We’re getting so close,” Smith said. “I just hope we will have even more progress and success. Our motto has been ‘Every dollar is important.’”

For more information, or to make a donation, call (334) 566-4031.