A group of Troy University master’s degree students want to help expand the offerings at the Troy Miracle League Playground, and they’re hoping the community will help.

Tucker Rainey and his team members in the sports management master’s degree program are spearheading the effort to raise funds for a new “Expression Swing” at the Troy Sportsplex playground.

“We wanted to do something to help with the Troy Parks and Recreation Department, and when we met with Director Dan Smith he shared the information about the Expression Swing,” Rainey said. “We thought it seemed like the right project and something important to add to the playground.”

The Expression Swing promotes intergenerational play as adults and children can swing together, facing each other. The face-to-face design features a bucket seat for children under five and an adult swing seat, so the parent (or grandparent) and child can interact with each other ¬through their facial expressions as voices as they swing.

The swing will be outfitted for handicap access, as are the other features at the Miracle League Playground.

“Over time I have received several emails and social media comments from local parents suggesting that we get an Expression Swing at one of our playgrounds,” said Dan Smith, Troy Parks and Recreation director. “When Tucker and his class came to visit me about a fund-raiser for their class project, I suggested the swing and they thought it was a great idea.”

The class members hope to raise $2,500 to purchase the equipment. They have sent letters to local businesses and individuals and have created a GoFundMe website for community donations. It can be reached at www.gofundme.com/sfmexpressionswing.

“We really hope people will donate and help this effort,” Rainey said.

“I am very appreciative of the students in this class for wanting to give back to the community I a project that they can see the results of for years to come,” Smith said.

“I hope the people of Troy and Pike County will consider making a contribution to this fund-raiser, not only in support of the students getting a good grade, but in a play even for the Troy Miracle League Playground that is certain to be a very popular attraction for parents and children.”