GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A Grand Island nonprofit is raising funds to restore a playground.

The YWCA playground that is primarily used by the Early Education and care program has been deteriorating. The 2019 rains and closure during the pandemic were particularly hard on it.

Executive Director Amy Bennett said it became hard to maintain the playground. 

“The last couple of years we’ve tried some band-aids, and it’s just not working," Bennett said. "So, we really have to just really rip everything out all of the dirt everything out."

A new drainage system will be added, along with new soil, open free space, a poured rubber track, a natural clay area, raised garden beds, and a pollinator garden. 

Bennett said they took the kids' input into consideration. 

“Because they are the people who will be using the playground; and ultimately, we want them to feel like it’s theirs, and have a sense of ownership and belonging,” Bennett said. 

Vlcek Gardens is in charge of construction and will start work in June. It will take four to six weeks.

The project will cost $175,000, of which the YWCA has already received $10,000 from the Wolbach Foundation. 

“It’s so important to our kids to be able to provide them with this space to play outdoors, and that it is something that we’re doing because it’s what’s best for our children,” she said. 

More than 70 kids will benefit from this playground.

YWCA is one of the many organizations participating in Go Big Give. To donate https://www.ywca-gi.org/get-involved/donate/.