In 2002 the club announced a fund-raising campaign to build the playground in Alameda Park that would be designed with special needs children in mind. When the Rotary saw how successful the playground was, they decided to construct a second phase. Groundbreaking should start this year.

In early 2002, the Butler AM Rotary Club announced a fund-raising campaign to build a Special Kids Zone playground in Alameda Park designed for children with special needs.

After the playground opened, the Rotary decided that since the campaign had been so successful, it would be enlarged with a second phase, which will bring the total cost to about $500,000.

The first phase included a wheelchair accessible maze with panels featuring games and educational activities.

"We're expecting to break ground on the second phase of the project this year," said Richard Musko, president of the AM Rotary.

The second phase will include slides, tubes, tunnels, swings and a plastic mountain for kids to climb.

Musko said all of the Rotary clubs in Butler County contributed, including the Butler PM Rotary, which donated $11,000. AK Steel donated $5,000 for the second phase.

The Butler County Parks and Recreation Department got a $60,000 state grant for a rubber surface made from recycled tires for the first phase. Musko said the department now has obtained an $80,000 grant for the second phase rubber surface.

Musko said the organization has applied for a $100,000 state grant. The club is still accepting donations, and has commemorative bricks for sale for $100,000 each. Some have already been laid on the sidewalk leading to the playground.

To make contributions or to purchase bricks, call Musko at 724-282-7230.