Published: April 09, 2008 08:53 am            

Arnett raising funds for park

In the spirit of celebration of its 100th year, Farmers and Merchants Bank of Arnett will be offering a boost to some of the local projects to improve and beautify the community .

One of its focuses is to partner with the City of Arnett in a bid to ramp up private donations to the Arnett Public Park Project.

What better way than for Farmers and Merchants Bank to issue a challenge to others would-be donors? The bank has pledged matching funds of private donations up to $5,000, said Senior Vice President of Farmers and Merchants Bank of Arnett, Bill Mitchell.

“We just know that this has been a project for some time and we thought it would be nice to see it come to pass while we are in our 100th year here,” Mitchell said.

The funds will go to purchase new playground equipment to replace an aging metal merry-go-round and an old swingset and other equipment that needs to be retired and replaced, according to Arnett Mayor Eunice Wise.

For generations, the park has been the site of family reunions and picnics, summer celebrations and youthful memories.

But for a long time, Wise said, the park has needed to be refurbished and made a more complete park to serve the community.

“I am just so excited that we are getting this kind of support from the bank,” Wise said. “We have been talking park equipment for some time and now we have a challenge!”

However, before the city began asking for donations, it researched the best equipment that would offer not just updated fun for children, but also the most safe and well constructed play environment possible, she said.

“What kind of equipment we get depends on what kind of ‘big give’ we get,” Wise said.

There are two different plans that will encompass changes. Each has differing focus, Wise said.

One is a company called Little Tikes, a commercial grade of play equipment. The second is Rainbow Play Systems, a type of equipment that is most often found in residential areas but also can serve in a commercial fashion.

Wise said the town has not made a final decision on which type of equipment they will purchase yet, but that they city has a goal of $19,000 to fund the park renovation.

“In the long run, we may get both types or even add some to the park as we get more money, Wise said. “ So, how many people can step up and start making this a reality for our children? Alumni? Businesses? Organizations? Churches?, and any one else who wants to make a difference in Arnett.”

The address to mail donations is P. O. Box 344, Arnett, Oklahoma 73832. (Please write on your check Park Donation.)

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.