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Last month, Arand requested the city foot the $3,900 down payment for the swing. He said the swing is built in Australia and now the exchange rate is low. If purchased now, the swing could be purchased for "65 cents to the $1" - greatly reducing the cost.
"It's (the Australian dollar) the lowest right now I think it has ever been," said Arand.
He added that work to pay for the swing is only beginning.
"This is only a down payment of 30 percent," he said. "We have five hard weeks of raising funds to pay for this swing - "the reason for purchasing now is because of dollar exchange and we can save $7,300."
Last month, Arand was instructed to contact other communities who have a Liberty swing. He contacted cities in California, Illinois and New York. "They had nothing but rave remarks about the swing itself," said Arand. He noted that a representative of MIRMA, the city's insurance provider, did not indicate the swing would be a safety hazard.
"We have their full blessing and they said they look forward to seeing it when it gets put up," Arand said.
Fundraising
Arand said some funds already have been raised through a joint fundraising project of the Union Jaycees, Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions clubs.
The clubs have made contributions and are selling raffle tickets to fund the purchase of the swing. The $50 tickets offer a chance to win a 52-inch flat screen LCD television, a 42-inch flat screen LCD television or $500 cash.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Union Parks and Recreation Department at 636-583-8471 or contacting members of sponsoring clubs, Arand said. He noted that many more tickets must be sold to reach the department's goal.
The playground equipment is accessible to children and adults in wheelchairs. It would be installed at the main city park south of the large pavilion.
Arand added that there are some funds set aside for the swing in the 2009-10 budget. The fiscal year begins July 1.
Available to County
Arand said once the swing is installed it would be available to all residents in Franklin County. He added that additional handicap accessible equipment also would be located near the swing, including an infant disability swing and basketball activity.
The swing is key operated and it will be located in a fenced area. The surface of the handicap area will be a rubber material that wheelchairs can easily roll on.
Arand said anyone who would like to make a contribution to purchase the swing can contact the parks and recreation department.
