Butler AM Rotary received approval last week for $30,000 in grant money.

Club members said the money will go toward phase two of the club's Butler Memorial Park Playground project, which includes installation of equipment.

The Rotary received grant funding from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, which is managed by the PNC Foundation.

According to club President Kenny Bonus, the entire project will cost about $190,000 with the recently granted $30,000 meant for phase two of the three-phase project, which includes the final installation of playground equipment.

Rotary member Brenda Cole wrote the grant application.

“It's about breaking down the barriers between those children with disabilities and those without,” Cole said.

“We tried to create a playground that has structures that are accommodating for children of all abilities,” Bonus said. “It's good to have that type of playground equipment installed that everybody can play on.”

Bonus said the grant also puts the club in a good position for Phase 3 which involves setting up a funding system that would allow for upkeep on the grounds.

“A lot of places forget about that constant upkeep,” Bonus said. “We're definitely very blessed at Butler AM Rotary to have people from so many different occupations and walks of life.”

Cole said she drew upon her experience in grant writing from her day job with the Center for Community Resources.

“Because I've been through the PNC Foundation before because of the organization I work for, I'm familiar with the Edith L. Trees Foundation,” she said.

Cole said the foundation, established in 1976, is named after a woman whose son was autistic.

“She has since passed away,” Cole said. “(The fund) looks for projects to fund that support children with disabilities, especially kids with autism.”