A GRAPHIC RENDERING by Landscape Structures of Delano, Minn., shows what some of the equipment will look like in the inclusive playground Lake Antoine Park Partners wants to establish in Lake Antoine Park. LAPP has launched an “Everyone Plays!” fundraising campaign for the playground, which will cost an estimated $400,000 to purchase the specialized equipment, synthetic turf surface and construct. (Contributed art)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Breitung Township will consider making a substantial contribution to an accessible playground project at Lake Antoine Park that’s spearheaded by a local non-profit group.

Lake Antoine Park Partners launched an “Everyone Plays!” campaign this spring with a goal of raising $400,000. The group hopes to add 3,100 square feet of playground space that people of all generations and abilities will be able to enjoy.

At a township board meeting this week, LAPP Treasurer Ann Hruska reported that $162,000 has been raised toward the work the group wants to complete this year. The project would consist of two phases at a cost of roughly $200,000 this year and $200,000 in 2026.

Township Superintendent Steve Mulka noted no other facility in Dickinson County that offers this type of all-inclusive access.

“It would be a valuable amenity available to our township residents,” Mulka said in recommending the township consider a contribution.

Township Supervisor Denny Olson said he’d like the board to think about “the whole big picture” rather than allocating a few thousand dollars now. A decision, then, may not be made until the township does its 2026 budget planning.

Olson mentioned the $50,000 the project received through the Toro Greenspace Enhancement Program, in partnership with BOSS Snowplow. Those funds will sponsor a We-Swing that allows wheelchair users to swing without the need to transfer from a mobility device.

No donation amount was discussed Monday, as board members agreed to wait.

Trustee Ben Peterson, meanwhile, pointed out that Lake Antoine Park is county-owned.

Mulka said if the township were to try to offer a playground of this type on its own, the cost would be much higher and there may be no better location. “It is in Breitung Township,” he said.

In addition to the We-Swing, the new playground equipment along the beachfront will include another zero-transfer piece, along with sensory panels, a music station and communication boards. A cushioned, synthetic turf surface will be laid below the equipment for safety.

In addition, a new concrete sidewalk will be paved to connect the new space to the beach house, along with adding more handicapped parking spaces.

Other major donations to date have included more than $16,000 from Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care, a $24,000 grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation and $10,000 from the Dagenais Foundation.

Anyone who wants to support the campaign can find more information at https://lakeantoine.org/.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.