Butler A.M. Rotary is launching its first public campaign to raise money to “Save the Playground,” a two-year project to renovate and expand the playground near the Miller Shelter in Butler Memorial Park.

The amount of money raised, which will be combined with grants the club and city have sought, will determine the scope of the project, but the club has committed to replacing an old swing set this fall with a new play set designed for children 2 to 5 years old.

The club plans to clean and repaint an existing swing set, which could be installed in another city park.

New swings and a play set that will be accessible to children with disabilities will be installed in Memorial Park next year.

“Everything will be very family friendly,” said Peggy Weckerly, the Rotarian in charge of the fundraising effort.

Some of the money raised will be set aside for a legacy fund for the club to maintain the playground in the future.

The project is expected to cost more than $100,000 and the playground will be named the Rotary Playground when the work is finished.

“This is the first time in our 21 years as a club that we’re soliciting public support,” Weckerly said. “We’ve never done that before. We’ve primarily worked with businesses in the community.”

A “Save the Playground” flier has been posted on the club website detailing the project and listing donation options.

“We really are hoping to get public support,” Weckerly said.

A printed flier is being prepared and will be mailed or emailed to at least 500 businesses during the second week of July. The Butler County Chamber of Commerce is assisting with the business contacts, she said.

After learning about the club’s plans last fall, two businesses donated nearly $13,000 combined.

The companies asked their employees to give and then matched the donations.

“We have almost $13,000 sitting in our playground account. It’s an ideal way for companies and their employees to show they care about the community. It’s a wonderful option. The companies will be recognized,” Weckerly said.

People and business that donate $5,000 or more or agree to buy a piece of equipment will be recognized with plaques that will be installed at the playground.

“We are going to recognize donors,” she said.

People who make donations as little as $1 will be recognized in some way.

“It’s a public playground. We want the public involved. If you give $1 you had something to do with it. A dollar is an investment and it makes you a stakeholder,” Weckerly said. “Any donations, no matter how large or how small, we’re happy to get them.”

Donations can be made through the club website using a new PayPal link.

Weckerly is identified on the flier as the contact for people wishing to charge donations on credit cards.

Checks also are being accepted. Information about mailing checks is on the flier.

“We’re trying to reach out to everyone we can. We’re trying to get the word out,” Weckerly said. In addition to the fund drive, the club has applied to the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau and the Butler County Bar Association for grants.

City council has applied to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $40,000 grant, which the club has agreed to match.

“We really are saving the playground. Unless someone takes it over, it’s just going to get worse,” Weckerly said.

She said many people have volunteered to help install the equipment and spread mulch around the playground, but any group wishing to join the effort should contact her.