Two moms in Butler have united for change. It isn't a political thing; it's a playground thing — and these moms mean business.

Operating as the group Moms for Good Change, Kelly English and Jennifer Friel are planning a revitalization campaign for neighborhood playgrounds. They have raised almost $5,000 so far.

The duo is tackling the playground on Christie Avenue first since it is the place they have taken their children for several years. Work at the playground is scheduled to begin during a clean-up day April 26.

"When I moved here, I realized that although the park is a green space, it really didn't seem to be a fun place for my kids," said Friel, whose children are ages 7 and 5. "About five years ago, I began collecting and recycling ink cartridges in order to raise funds to put toward improving the playground, but it didn't really add up as quickly as I'd hoped."

When English moved to the neighborhood, the two began talking about how dilapidated the playground had become and decided to join forces.

"We inquired with the city about what the options were, and the city decided to write for a grant with the hope of getting us some equipment," said English, whose child is 7.

"This land is dedicated for children to use, but now, there isn't much to enjoy at a place with rusty swings, a rusty slide and a broken fence," English said.

She and Friel said they hope to combine efforts with others in the community. The beginning of that partnering came in the form of soliciting donations.

"We've made our community aware of what we are trying to do," said English, who noted the Junior Women's Club of Butler, the Lion's Club and Soroptimist International of Butler have each supplied funding for the project. Those donations were added to ink cartridge recycling proceeds to arrive at the current operating budget.

The Butler County Department of Parks and Public Property also has applied for grant funding that could potentially double the budget, but that application is pending.

"We have received some contributions, which are much needed, but we also need manpower," Friel said.

To accomplish that goal, the women scheduled the clean-up day at the same time as PennDot's Great Pennsylvania Cleanup.

"PennDOT has supplied us with vests, gloves and trash bags so the cleanup can be done safely," English said. "We'd like to get the leaves and trash collected; we'll be painting part of the fence and planting some bulbs and mulching."

The women encourage people to come with brooms and rakes and make light work of the project.

"There is also a huge stump that needs removed near where the fence is broken. It would be awesome if someone could bring a stump grinder and take care of that," said Friel, who added that folks using the stump to climb over the fence is probably how the fence was broken.

Those unable to donate money or do physical labor can always help pass out flyers in the neighborhoods near the park, the women said.

"We've done three or four streets, and we're continuing doing the surrounding area," English said.

In addition to the projects mentioned, Moms For Good Change plans to install new picnic tables and install a sandbox cover.

Once repairs are done, the women will spend remaining funds on replacing playground equipment.

"We just really want to create a place that kids and families can utilize where they can be safe and have a good time," Friel said.

Moms for a Good Change has other city playgrounds in its sights, but for now, it is concentrating on the Christie playground.

Donations for the playground can be made out to Moms for a Good Change and sent to 231 E. Christie Ave., Butler, PA 16001.

All donations specified for the Christy project will be used for that location only.

<B>WHAT: </B>Christie Avenue Playground Clean-up Day sponsored by Moms for Good Change<B>WHEN: </B>9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26<B>WHERE: </B>Playground on the Corner of Christie Avenue and Ritter Street just off South Main Street Hill<B>INFO: </B>Contact Kelly English at 724-290-1858 or kellyjenglish@yahoo.com