The Troy Park and Recreation Department is closing in on a milestone goal. Months of planning and hard work has culminated into one final push to provide a one-of-a-kind resource to the community.

TPR is hoping to reach its monetary goal in order to break ground on the Miracle League playground before April.

“This will be a great asset to the community,” Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith said. “We are excited about the project and hope to make a big push after the new year to get shovels in the ground.”

The project will cost nearly $200,000 and the department has raised more than 56 percent of the funds needed. Several grants could come into play, but Smith says individual donations have been a large part of the fund raising effort thus far.

“We have said all along that whether it is a donation of $5 or $100, they are all equal,” said Smith. “Anything people can do to help make this a reality for the children of this community is appreciated.”

Momma Goldberg’s located downtown completed a cooperative fund raising effort on Tuesday to help with the project. Smith said many other businesses and civic groups have made pledges as well.

The playground will be designed for optimal wheelchair accessibility and will have features for children of all abilities.

“It will have a great emphasis on handicap accessibility, but it is a playground for all children,” Smith said. “It’s really gaining a lot of momentum.”

Smith said the department has been in contact with cities like Dothan who have built similar playgrounds. The playground in Dothan is thought to be one of the biggest in the southeast.

“Ours is going to have many of the same features,” Smith said. “We have been fortunate to have playgrounds nearby to visit and get ideas.”

Smith said he hope to have the playground completed by May 1, 2013.

“We want to get individuals, families, churches, schools, civic groups, businesses, anyone and everyone participating in their own little fund raiser,” Smith said. “Every donation is important. The facilities of Troy Parks and Recreation are evolving in a positive direction. This is something on our long range plan that is desperately needed. We want to give families and fun and safe place for their children to enjoy themselves.”

Anyone interested in donating to the project or for more information can contact Dan Smith, Lisa Holmes or Brian Meadows at the recreation department at 566-4031.