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Plans begin for All-Inclusive Playground groundbreaking

Lions Club receives $100,000 grant; may break ground in March

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The Mountain Grove Lions Club was notified on Jan. 26 that a grant to support the “Play for All” All-Inclusive Playground in the amount of $100,000 from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) had been fully approved.

This results in the fund continuing to grow as it has reached $216,000. Plans are being finalized for an official groundbreaking in March 2022.

Lion Brenda Clark informed a large crowd of the accomplishment last Tuesday at the City of Mountain Grove’s monthly meeting at City Hall.

“The desire of our heart was to build a park worthy of our children,” said Clark, who also expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the community. She also noted that City Administrator Tim Schook had been “very instrumental” working on the project.

The All-Inclusive Playground, which provides adaptive equipment allowing children of all abilities to play together, has long been a dream of the Mountain Grove Lions Club. The idea was conceived just months before the COVID-19 pandemic started. This project has required much planning and work by the local Lions, volunteers and other community supporters.

When fundraising efforts were impacted by the pandemic, the Mountain Grove Lions turned to their district leadership for help. After gaining the required endorsement for the project from the district, the District Governor began working with the Mountain Grove Lions to gather information. The completed Humanitarian grant application was submitted to LCIF in October 2021.

The monies received from LCIF is a matching grant, meaning that the Mountain Grove Lions were responsible to raise $100,000 through their own fundraising efforts. To qualify for the grant, additional district clubs involvement helped to provide 50% of these funds.

Nine clubs throughout southwest Missouri provided monetary support for this project as well as individual Lions donating.

There are still opportunities for families and organizations to purchase commemorative bricks to be placed in the entryway of the playground. Order forms can be obtained at the Mountain Grove City Hall or from any Mountain Grove Lion. The Mountain Grove Lions Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charitable organization, so contributions are tax-deductible. The local Lions thank the many local organizations, businesses and individuals for their steadfast support in this project, all for the betterment of the Mountain Grove community. A huge thank you is also made to the Lions Clubs International Foundation for the $100,000 grant that makes the project a reality. The Lions Clubs International (founded 1917) motto is “We Serve.” The mission of LCIF “is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding.” This foundation is funded by donations from 1.3 million Lions around the world. For more information go to:

https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/discover-our-foundation/history.