A new piece of playground equipment swung into action at Veteran's Park Thursday after Fulton Kiwanis donated a handicap accessible swing to the children of Callaway County.
Kiwanis received a $3,700 grant from Kiwanis International for the project and had funds saved up from previous pancake days to purchase the $9,000 swing and accessories, Kiwanis Treasurer Mary Martin said.
"Our mission is to help children and we felt this would be a good way to do so," Martin said. "There's nowhere in Fulton or Callaway that has a swing that accommodates all types of children, whether they be challenged mentally or physically, and we thought this was a neat item to have."
The Cruise Line swing relies on a pulley system for movement and can seat up to 15 children. During the unveiling ceremony yesterday several members of the Kiwanis and City Officials tested the swing's ability, Martin said. The swing also provides the option for the user to sit, stand or lie while using the swing, which Martin said promotes interaction on all levels.
"It can help children or adults with sensory issues because of its flying motion," she said.
The city donated the time and labor to prepare the park for the new equipment.
The Kiwanis is holding another pancake day at the Missouri School for the Deaf in the McKee Dining Hall today until 7 p.m. Attendants ages six and over can have an all-you-can eat pancake plate for $6, while children five and under eat free. Money from the event will go towards a scholarship program and any additional funds will go into another account for a bigger project like the swing, Martin said.
"All of Callaway County helped bring the swing to life by donating and attending our pancake days," she added. "We couldn't have done it without that and we would love to see more projects for our youth in Callaway County."