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LAPP launches 21-day drive to raise $40K for playground

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 6 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- After years of planning, fundraising and construction, Lake Antoine Park Partners is down to the final push to complete its vision of a playground accessible to all.

LAPP launched its "Everyone Plays in 21 Days" campaign today, with a goal of raising the remaining $40,000 needed to complete Phase II of the playground project. The campaign runs through Oct. 12.

"Look at what we are building," LAPP Treasurer Ann Hruska said. "One playground for every age, every size and every ability -- a place that brings everyone together through play. Our community has already supported this project in such a tremendous way. We are asking to help us finish it together."

The playground has accessible equipment, sensory elements, communication panels, musical features, and accessible surfaces and pathways.

The project was developed with input from therapists, contractors, local parents and children, and manufacturers of accessible playground equipment.

Phase I was completed in 2025, and Phase II is now underway. The playground equipment has been installed, leaving the synthetic turf as the final major component still needing financial support.

"That's the bare minimum to allow us to complete construction," Hruska said of its goal.

The turf is one of the most expensive pieces of the project. A portion of the cost has already been raised, but LAPP needs an additional $40,000 to complete the work.

Phase II adds another 2,000 square feet of play space, nearly the same size as Phase I, but oriented 90 degrees in the other direction.

"It's gonna be fun -- it will add different types of motions," Hruska said.

The new area includes spinning, rocking and climbing equipment, along with adaptive swings. A toddler swing was added after community members noted that one was not included in the first phase.

There also will be an adaptive swing that allows a parent and child to swing while sitting opposite one another.

Phase I features a zero-transfer swing, while Phase II adds a zero-transfer spinner that will allow users to roll or walk directly onto the equipment.

Swanson Solutions recently finished the concrete work around the playground equipment which came from GameTime manufacturer.

The turf company is expected to arrive sometime after Sept. 28, with installation expected to take about a week

"So it's a push," Hruska said. "I think we'll do it. We are all committed and we're going to make it happen."

The 21-day campaign is intended to bring the community together for a concentrated fundraising effort.

"We just got to finish this off. We waited until it was a doable amount," she said.

For those looking for a tangible way to contribute, Hruska said donors can think of the cost in terms of the playground's turf.

"One of the things we thought might be memorable for folks is if they can think about one square foot of turf that costs $25," she said. "With that donation, they're going to own a piece of the playground."

LAPP is reaching out to individuals, families, businesses, community organizations and groups to participate. Businesses will have the opportunity to provide matching funds, while community members can help financially or simply spread the word.

Hruska encourages people to reach out to former residents.

"Those that grew up in the area or have visited have such fond memories of this park -- they have played here, picnicked here, or goofed around as teenagers here," she said. "Almost everyone has that one memory of being here."

LAPP values all forms of support, whether through financial contributions, helping to spread the word, or simply offering moral support. "The kind words often go a long way," she added.

To date, the community has raised approximately $320,000 for both phases of the playground project.

"Our community has been very generous," Hruska said. "That's a lot of money for our small community to have supported."

LAPP members have been pleased with the response to Phase I since it opened.

"It's busy all the time -- day and night," Hruska said. "It was really fun to come here on a summer evening and see families playing together, which was the goal."

Hruska said parents and caregivers are using the equipment, alongside children.

LAPP will install donor recognition signage next year. Those who contribute more than $500 will have their names listed at the playground, with the goal of having it posted for a grand opening planned for spring.

The non-profit is already looking ahead to additional features and improvements. A life-size art piece featuring LAPP's silhouetted family logo is being developed, with hopes of installing it next year.

"It will be kind of a backdrop to the playground," Hruska said. "People can take pictures next to it, and you remember that they're here."

Another possible future improvement is rubber matting connecting the concrete pathway to the existing play structure within the wood-chip area.

Once the major construction is completed, LAPP plans to focus on making the playground better known and more accessible to groups throughout the community.

The group plans to reach out to local organizations and different populations to determine what might help bring more people to the playground, including possible assistance with transportation, staff or field-trip costs.

LAPP will create a brochure explaining its accessible features that will be distributed at area businesses and health care facilities.

The project is "about more than building a playground," Hruska said.

"We are building opportunities for connection, inclusion and play that go beyond. We are building something our communities can enjoy together for years to come. We want everyone to be a part of that legacy," she said.

Donations can be made on the LAPP website at https://lakeantoine.org.

LAPP also plans to share updates throughout the 21 days as the community works toward the $40,000 goal on the website, as well as on a fundraising thermometer that will be on display outside at the Chamber of Commerce downtown Iron Mountain.

"We can't express enough our appreciation for all the support we have received throughout the entire project," Hruska said. "We are looking forward to seeing the community enjoying the playground."

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

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