This file photo shows the old Firestone Funland before its demolition late last year in preparation of its replacement with the new all-inclusive playground. Organizers still need to raise $100,000 by April 1 to cover the cost related to installation of a turf surface associated with Columbiana Project Playground and to keep on schedule for the playground’s use at end-of-the-school-year playground picnics and events. (Photo courtesy of the Columbiana Project Playground)

Upcoming events

WHAT: Firestone Park cleanup sponsored by Columbiana Project Playground

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2

WHERE: Firestone Park

DETAILS: A coffee truck from Mama’s Morning Brew will be on site as volunteers turn out to clean up litter and branches throughout the whole park.

NOTE: Attention to students seeking last minute community service hours, earn them here and CPP officials will complete your paperwork so you get credit.

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WHAT: For the playground ladies benefit

WHEN: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14

WHERE: Sundog Cider in Firestone Farms

DETAILS: Ladies will gather to enjoy live music, a cash bar and a large charcuterie board to benefit Columbiana Project Playground.

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COLUMBIANA — The folks behind the city’s Project Playground are nearing the 11th hour on fundraising for Phase I of their construction program and still need help.

After having raised more than a half million dollars toward the construction of an all-inclusive playground to replace the aging Firestone Funland in Firestone Park, one wouldn’t think that securing the final $100,000 would not be hard.

However, as Michaela Good, president of the non-profit effort, explained Saturday, they are down to the wire.

The old, unsafe playground has been razed.

The playground equipment has arrived.

The delivery truck has been unloaded.

Old, decaying trees removed from the site for safety in advance of work starting has been done.

However, Good said that one of the most crucial goals for them to meet still has yet to be accomplished.

That $100,000 is needed to order the turf to be installed at the site after equipment is put up and before play can resume — not only to protect the integrity of the playground and its equipment but also those who may utilize it.

As part of this last push, Good and Vice President Stephanie Kale have taken to reaching out to the public via print and broadcast media as well as the highly followed social media page.

Good posted days ago on Facebook, “Truth time: We need $100,000 by April 1 to finish the playground turf. Without it, the playground can’t open in time for end-of-year picnics or summer play,” she wrote. “Venmo, PayPal, checks, change from an old piggy bank — we’ll take it all. Every dollar gets us closer.”

As a result of her public plea, Good was able to garner a few more thousand dollars for their 501(c)3 but still has a long way to go.

Donations can be mailed via check to P.O. Gox 156, Columbiana OH 44408, sent via Venmo to @FirestonePlayground or via the non-profit’s website, playatfirestone.com.