Community pulls together to win playground equipment

MASON CITY – With steadfast volunteers leading the way, a Mason City Park will soon be home to two new playground equipment sets that families and their children will be able to enjoy for years.

Starting in about March of 2012, Sarah Swegle of Mason City began the drive to bring new playground equipment and other improvements to Parker’s Woods by raising funds privately.  Through an online Facebook contest, Swegle saw an opportunity to get playground equipment from Playworld Systems.  She entered the contest and began seeking “votes” from friends and family and anyone else she could convince.

On the final day of voting in the contest, Mason City was in third place behind communities in Illinois and Massachusetts. But after a huge push in the final 7 hours, Mason City pulled ahead and finished the evening in first place. The prize: A playground playset for 2-5 year olds.

“Thank you to everyone who rallied for us tonight,” Swegel said.  “We are so blessed by your votes! God is GOOD & He answered my prayers by stuffing the ballot box.”

Swegle has already raised enough funds for a playset for 5-12 year old children, which means Parker’s Woods will see two playsets installed.

Both playsets will be located in the vicinity of the shelter house in Parker’s Woods, most likely just to the south.  They will be installed professionally, which costs more, but Swegle said the extra cost is worth it.

A private donor has pledged to match up to $50,000 if Swegle’s committee and the City of Mason City each provide $50,000 for the project.  The Park Board has already pledged $50,000 towards the project.

Swegle is continuing with her fundraising efforts at this time to meet that match requirement. “We received a grant check today for $1,500 from Bertha Stebbens Charitable Foundation. We now have $44,842 raised and need just $5,158 more to complete our match.”

Swegle said Wednesday afternoon that both playsets will most likely be installed “before the snow flies.”

If anyone wishes to donate, please send your tax deductible donation to:

City Hall
10 First St NW
Mason City, IA 50401
(Attn: Finance Dept. Write “Parker’s Woods Park” on the memo line.)

Watch video interview:

httpv://youtu.be/XsfeXHHAIyM