SHUEYVILLE — The City of Shueyville may only have a population of 735 but the surrounding rural area makes it a gathering place for the northern part of Johnson County, say representatives with All God’s Children preschool and childcare in Shueyville. All God’s Children (AGC) has launched a capital campaign with the goal of raising $300,000 to install a playground at the Shueyville United Methodist Church (SUMC), which would be available to the public.
The playground will be designed for children (ages 5-12) of all abilities and include surfacing making the entire playground accessible for those with mobility issues while offering a wide range of play activities. Included will be a playhouse, a large structure with many climbing opportunities and nets, slides, and multi-user swings. A Neutron Carousel spinner – a new twist on the traditional carousel with riders standing on a rope platform and spinning.
AGC and SUMC see the playground as an investment in the community promoting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive learning while encouraging fun, healthy, and physical play for all youth in the community and outlying area. “It will be a gathering place for all who need a space to fit all ages,” they said adding, “It will be located next to a basketball court and a parking lot and will be a fresh spot to spend quality time outdoors.”
The goal is to have the funds raised by December so the playground can be installed next spring. To date $60,000 is in the coffers. Opportunities exist to donate through Hills Bank (AGC has an account set up with 501C3 non-profit status), Venmo (www.venmo.com/u/AllGodsChildrenPS, username is @AllGodsChildrenPS), through PayPal (www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=4MGM2M9Y3N7MA), or by sending a check to All Gods Children, 1195 Steeple Lane NE, Swisher, IA, 52338 with “playground” in the memo line”). Donations of time and/or material are also welcomed with assistance needed for grading, concrete work, landscaping, fencing, and help with installation. For more information about ways to contribute contact Ali Huebner, Director of All God’s Children at [email protected] or 319-848-2393.
Upcoming events
Two fundraising events will benefit the project with the first being a Color Run/Walk Saturday, Sept. 9 at 9:00 a.m. at the SUMC while the second is a vendor market Saturday, Nov. 4. Space is still available for the market with more information on both events available by contacting Brenda Swanson at 319-213-5804.