The Marthasville city playground is set to open the weekend of Aug. 5-6, according to city officials. “Plans are for it to be open by (next) weekend,” said Alderman Leo Tobben. A total of $61,136.50 was raised for the new playground equipment, which cost approximately $60,000. The city contributed $30,000, with the remaining cost donated by area businesses and individuals. The new playground was a project the city had wanted to complete following the closure of the previous playground, which was deemed unsafe. Manufactured by Miracle Recreation Equipment, the playground will include a slide and swing-set, three grills, one of which has been described as a “super grill” by officials, a steel trash-can that can be mounted on a concrete base and a bicycle rack. Delivery and erection of the playground material took place July 23-24, with what Tobben described as a “great community building project.” “It’s been perfect,” he said of the playground construction. “The community has really worked hard. I’m amazed at the amount of help and the good, quality help we’ve received.” Tobben estimated 25 volunteers were present each day during installation. “You get to see the older volunteers working with the younger volunteers,” he said. “I never imagined it to be this good. The volunteers just stayed with it.” Chamber of Commerce President Trei Irwin agreed. “It’s great,” he said. “This is something Marthasville needed for a few years. It’s great to see the people working together.” Alderman John Graham said he’s thankful for the community’s support. “I’m grateful for getting all the donations from the community and the help we’ve had from the community,” he said. “I’m truly grateful for everyone here.” Each volunteer played an intricate role in the construction process — whether it was drilling a hole, pouring cement or attaching a roof. Volunteer Mike Etter said he wanted to help in any way possible. “I have three young kids and this is going to give them somewhere to play,” he said. “It’s gone really quickly — a lot quicker than I thought it would. Everyone worked together and we got a lot done in a hurry.” Etter said knowing the playground is for the community’s children made for an even better experience. “I don’t mind giving up a bit of my time for the kids,” he said. “This will make it easier with family events. If there are civic events down here for the families, the kids can just come over here and play.” Park board member Don Deeker spearheaded efforts bringing the playground to Marthasville. “It’s been a fulfilling, satisfying experience,” he said. “It has reassured me that Marthasville is such a great place to live.” Deeker said the amount of volunteers made construction a simple process. “We had plenty of help,” he said. “We appreciate all of the help and donations. And it’s not only with cash donations, but with people who provided cold drinks or equipment during the weekend. There was a really good spirit among the crew.” Deeker said the playground will provide parents and children with a quality family environment. “It’s been needed,” he said. “It’s a quality, safe place for children to play and get their exercise and get outdoors. It’ll be great for moms and dads to bring their children to an environment for good, safe exercise.” Tobben said Deeker deserved the credit for bringing the playground to the city. “Don Deeker did a great job promoting everything,” he said. “It’s all on him. He did great.” Anticipation, volunteers said, is growing. “It’s been fantastic,” Roxanne Tobben said. “You’re starting to see cars drive by really slowly with children pressing their faces up against the window.”