POLAND — There is now a special-needs swing at the township park, a labor of love among several groups.

Poland Township Park Board members, National Slovak Society Life Assembly 731 members and 4-H Coitsville Saddle-ites club advisers and youth gathered last week to cut the ribbon on the addition, which is on Moore Road in the eastern part of the township.

“It was my idea to get a handicap swing made for older youth who are too big for the baby swing,” said Laurie Fox, president of NSS Life Assembly 731 and a member of the township park advisory board. “I see so many handicapped kids that will be able to enjoy this swing.”

With a price tag of $2,500 for the specially-designed swing seat and the strong swing-set framing, Fox knew she needed some help. She approached the Coitsville Saddle-ites 4-H Club and they went to work.

“We work the concessions at the park’s soccer field and get to keep the profits,” said Saddle-ites adviser Nicole Shilling. “Those profits always go back to the kids in our community.”

The Saddle-ites came up with the funds for the swing set and it was ordered from Play & Park Structures, a Tennessee-based company. The swing is named “Made for Me” and is geared toward ages 5 through 12 and larger toddlers. It has a designed harness to make it easier and safer for a handicapped child to enjoy it.

The new swing set had spaces for two swings, so the baby swing that was connected to the playground’s other larger swing set was moved to the new one, keeping both specialty swings on one frame. The older frame will be all regular flat swing seats now.

“This [new swing] brings more opportunities for township and village residents,” said Ken Filicky, park board chairman. “We are planning to do more for handicap access. Later this year we are hoping to add a handicap-accessible walkway to the playground.”

Township Trustee Joanne Wollet said the park is the result of a community coming together.

“This park is a labor of love with so many volunteer groups getting involved,” she said.

jtwhitehouse@vindy.com