An all-inclusive playground planned in Linn could be located at Linn City Park, after aldermen signed a resolution allowing it earlier this month.
Megan Reichart, Osage County Special Services executive director, said in mid-January the project was still in partnership with Unlimited Play in St. Peters - a nonprofit organization that has built inclusive playgrounds in Waynesville, Salem and Kansas City - and the location was set for the corner of U.S. 50 and Route CC.
Fundraising for the project was at less than $200,000 toward its $350,000 goal and "definitely at 50 percent of what we need to raise," Reichart said at the time.
Now, she said, the change in location comes down to a tale of two properties.
For one, there was an issue with qualifying for grants, as the playground was set to be on the Lions Club Fairgrounds, which is not-for-profit but privately owned. OCSS and community members discussed with Linn Mayor Dwight Massey in late January that playgrounds at both city parks had equipment that needed updating.
The Board of Aldermen found it was a "win-win" situation to locate the all-inclusive playground in Linn City Park - the new playground could have more opportunities for grants in a space under local government jurisdiction, and the parks would have the chance to update equipment giving greater access to families with disabilities.
Massey said the move presents the city and Osage County Special Services with a unique opportunity.
"This goes beyond city limits or county lines - it's about shared ideas and beliefs," he said. "We're working hard to make it accessible for everyone in the community to go out and participate."
Reichart said the playground layout would be the same as the original plans, but they decided against the water feature due to the extra upkeep winterization and maintenance would require.
She put their current fundraising total at $176,451.05 and said they are planning to apply for grants to supplement the rest, including a matching grant with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and a scrap tire grant they will reapply for in April. The city will improve some of the space's infrastructure in the meantime.
They are also planning a fundraiser for the playground May 15. It will feature community activities and performances from local rock-pop-funk band The Cherry Pistols. In the midst of a pandemic, Massey said, the fundraiser will be beneficial for the accessible playground project and community building.
"One of the things I think a lot of communities are lacking, especially this past year, is being able to come together safely and enjoy time with their family and neighbors," he said. "I love anything that brings our people together."
As they are still in the grant and fundraising portion, OCSS and the city of Linn have not set a deadline for building, but they have been told it would take three months or longer to design and construct the playground.
"This has been a challenge for their organization to get started, and I applaud their efforts for the community and families throughout the area," Massey said. "Their commitment has been astounding. I hope the entire community can get behind it."