GEORGE - George Community Hall administrator Debby Kooy will write grant applications to two foundations seeking funds for new playground equipment for the George Community Park.

The park has four pieces, all made of metal. Those include a slide, swings and monkey bars that were installed around 1980. There is also a merry-go-round Kooy believes is more than 40 years old.

Kooy said the merry-go-round brings criticism from the city's insurance provider, which would like to see it removed. Kooy said the city has talked about it but, so far, has retained it.

"Kids still enjoy it," Kooy said. "The merry-go-round still works. It doesn't even squeak."

Kooy's grant application will be to the Lauzier Foundation and Kaboom.org, an organization that funds playground projects.

Part of the Kaboom opportunity includes an Ugly Playground contest. Kooy has entered George.

Kooy doesn't know the amount of the request yet. But it won't be for the entire cost. Already she has volunteers ready to do the work.

"You can easily spend $300,000 on playground equipment," Kooy said. "It's beyond belief."

The grant application will also include a request for funds for an addition to the George Community Hall that would house public restrooms and showers.

"When people have an event in the park, they have to rent the hall to have access to bathrooms," Kooy said. "With the addition, we could open those bathrooms and keep the hall closed. We also need the showers for events that include overnight camping."