Remember the

massive fund-raising and volunteer effort that built the Fayette Family

Play Park?

More than 3,000

volunteers contributed time and money to build the 13,000-sq. ft. structure

in 1994, but now it's in danger of being closed down unless there's a

new funding effort to help maintain the park.

Free and open

to the public, the park was built on land made available by the Fayette

Family YMCA, and the Y was left with the cost of maintaining it, said

director Pam Young.

That cost is

running about $10,000 a year more than $80,000 to date and the most critical

immediate need is for special mulch that must be replaced every two to

three years, to provide a safe cushion for youngsters playing in the park.

Cost to replace the mulch is $4,000 to $5,000, and no funds are available,

said Young.

Young said

the park receives visits from about 26,000 families a year, and wear and

tear on the wooden play stations is more than most people would realize.

The Y replaces several swings every year at a cost of $58 apiece, for

example, and the wood must be sanded down and sealed every year as well.

"People

don't realize that when it does get such a magnitude of usage ... it starts

adding up," said Young.

"We feel

a responsibility to our community, but the safety of visitors must come

first," said Rod Arion, YMCA board chairman. "If we have to

close the park until it is safe, we will."

One way to

contribute and keep the park open, Young said, is to become a YMCA member.

The charitable association is committed to wellness of spirit, mind and

body, said Young. Y members also enjoy a variety of programs for the family,

from sand volleyball and picnics to CPR and first aid classes.

Yearly membership

fee is $35, which helps support the Play Park and all the other YMCA programs.

"It helps support the mission of building a stronger community, and

allows them to be a part of that," said Young.

Members receive

information on upcoming programs and registration deadlines and have the

opportunity to volunteer in youth programs or the Partner with Youth Annual

Campaign.

And membership

fees will help ensure that the Play Park stays open for everyone. "It's

a vital part of our community," said Young.

Tax deductible

contributions also may be made to the Partner with Youth Annual Campaign,

or can be designated specifically for Play Park maintenance. "Any

kind of support would be beneficial," said Young.

Civic organizations

also can help by contributing funds or scheduling work days to help keep

the park or other YMCA facilities functioning, she added.

To volunteer,

become a member or contribute, visit the YMCA at 215 Huiet Road, Fayetteville,

or phone 770-719-9622 (YMCA).