The non-profit hopes to raise $100,000 by Sept. 30 to complete its accessible playground project at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain, at an estimated cost of $150,000.

“We currently have raised about $60,000,” LAPP treasurer Ann Hruska said, adding that some funding will go toward future maintenance costs.

LAPP’s mission is to create a playground where every child feels welcome. The “Everyone Plays!” name reflects the group’s commitment to inclusive, multi-generational play opportunities for individuals of all physical and cognitive abilities, recognizing that play is essential for everyone’s well-being.

Hruska said what sets the “Everyone Plays!” apart from others playgrounds within a 70-mile radius is its synthetic turf safety surface, along with inclusive, stand-alone equipment designed for users ages 2 to 100 and accessible parking that connects directly to the play area.

Lake Antoine Park Partners Secretary Carrie Toretta-Partello and Treasurer Ann Hruska show off the recently installed communication board at the “Everyone Plays!” playground. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The first phase, completed in 2025, included installing three types of swings on a synthetic turf surface, sensory panels, a music selection, six accessible parking spaces, a 350-foot sidewalk connecting the play areas to the beachhouse, along with benches and picnic tables.

LAPP raised a total of $230,000 for Phase I, which accounted for about 65% of the overall project.

“The new pieces are already bringing joy to so many families,” Hruska said. “Now we are gearing up for the implementation of Phase II to complete the project.”

Selected playground equipment for Phase II, estimated at $61,000, includes an Inclusive Whirl zero-transfer spinner, an Infinity Bowl spinner, a Rockin Robin egg-shaped rocker, ADA swing frame with two adaptive seats and an inclusive inchworm climber.

“We’ll have a spinner to complement the swings,” Hruska said. “In playground psychology, children enjoy a variety of activities. We’ll have climbing, swinging and spinning — all important elements of a playground.”

Lake Antoine Park Partners plans to have a sign that includes a QR code to make a donation to the “Everyone Plays!” playground project. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Hruska said the Rockin’ Robin rocker is intended to provide a quieter space for children. “It will be located near the beach area where there is less activity going on,” she said.

She explained the adaptive swing seats are designed for children ages 2 and older and were selected for their long-term usability. The design also meets the need for a toddler-style seat while allowing a parent or caregiver to assist with the swinging activity.

The Infinity Bowl spinner was chosen for its accessibility, as it sits at wheelchair height while still offering a fun experience for all users. “It will be fun for everyone,” Hruska said.

The inclusive inchworm climber will be placed near the front of the new playground area.

Hruska noted the low-profile design makes it accessible and less intimidating for younger children while still providing a fun climbing feature.

“We think people are going have fun with that one and even take photos with it,” she said.

If enous are raised, they will look into adding another sensory device.

As with the first phase, one of the largest expenses for Phase II will be the materials and installation of the 2020 SF Turf Safety Surfacing, estimated at more than $52,000.

The new playground area will be built on the site of an older toddler play structure to the right of the recently installed inclusive equipment.

“We are going to double the footprint, making it a 40-by-50-foot area,” Hruska said.

Due to several safety concerns — including insufficient elevation and inadequate mulch depth for proper fall protection — the existing toddler equipment will be relocated to another area of the park.

A large tree in the area was also removed to make room for the expansion, Hruska added.

LAPP also recently installed a new communication board in front of the new playground equipment. The board was designed by Sara Percolosi, principal of Iron Mountain Middle and High schools, who also specializes in alternative communication methods.

“This was really near and dear to her heart,” Hruska said.

The board is intended to help individuals with limited verbal skills, as well as young children, communicate by pointing to pictures and symbols that express what they would like to do at the park. It also includes an alphabet section that can be used to spell out messages.

“We also have a QR code that allows visitors to download both communication boards onto their phones and use them throughout the park,” Hruska said.

The downloadable link includes a dedicated set of images that can also be used in other locations. Hruska noted the board focuses primarily on activities and items visitors might encounter at the park.

The communication board was funded by donated by Rize, with additional sponsorship support helping offset costs through Project Jade of Marquette and several Marquette-area businesses involved with similar projects.

“The board has been in the making for about a year,” Hruska said.

Accessible parking spaces will soon receive its painted lines as well.

Construction will begin after the park closes, with the old equipment to leave in late August.

LAPP plans to install a “coming soon” new playground sign at its new location site that will feature a QR code to make a donation to the project.

LAPP secretary Carrie Toretta-Partello said the organization will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the park. The event will include food, fun games and give-aways.

“We will have board members present to explain what this inclusive playground about it,” Toretta-Partello said, adding that more details about the event will be announced soon.

“We have a lot of different fundraisers coming up,” she said.

They will be the beneficiary of the Aug. 9 Sunday FUNdraiser Day at Sandstone Terrace in Iron Mountain, with admission proceeds going toward the campaign.

“We hope to have another Culver’s fundraiser date as well,” she said.

In addition, LAPP plans to sell popcorn during the summer music concerts.

Hruska said the organization’s new website is now up and running and includes an online store and donation link dedicated to the playground project.

She acknowledged that the current economy has made fundraising more challenging this year.

“Big or small, we will take any donation,” Hruska said. “We appreciate all the support through the entire project. We couldn’t have done it without the community.”

They anticipate the improvements made with the new playground, as well as the entire park, will serve as an economic catalyst by attracting both tourists and residents, while further enhancing the quality of life through the promotion of healthy recreational activities.

Anyone wishing to donate can mail checks payable to Lake Antoine Park Partners to P.O. Box 609, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 or go to their Facebook page or website.

For more information or to request other giving options, contact Hruska at 906-396-9843 or email to lakeantoineparkpartners@gmail.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.