Bigfork PTA in final push to complete playground purchase

The Bigfork Parent Teachers Association is on a final push to raise money for playground equipment at Bigfork elementary and middle schools.

Having already raised about $24,000, the PTA is on a final push to raise another $10,000 to complete the financing for the playground project, PTA treasurer Joni Isaman said. And that needs to happen in the next two weeks. The goal is to get the work done before school starts. If that happens, the equipment will be ready to use by October.

The equipment would replace 30-year-old playground equipment at the middle school. Additional work needs to be done on the elementary playground also, Isaman said.

 The PTA is asking businesses and individuals to help raise the final $10,000. Several local businesses, including Sliter’s Hardware, Flathead Lake Brewing Company, Harvest Foods and the UPS Store have all committed money for the project.

The Bigfork school district is paying $4,500 toward the ground-preparation work.

The major costs are shipping and installation, which has to be done by a certified installer. Isaman said there isn’t an installer within about 1,500 miles.

“Our kids helped raise $22,000 for the equipment, and they’re asking ‘Where’s our playground?’” Isaman said.

To donate call Leona Maneval at lmaneval@gmail.com, or PTA treasurer Joni Isaman at 420-2265 or email, certifiedproadvisors@live.com.