Kickstarter campaign raises money for Durham playground

The nonprofit that manages Durham Central Park has launched an online campaign to raise $25,000 to build a new playground at the popular downtown park.

At last check, the Kickstarter campaign has raised about $9,800. The money would help build a handicap accessible climbing mound with two slides, a climbing net, big curving benches, amphitheater seating, a look-out area, boulder climbing and sculpture art.

Requests from parents and families who wanted more places for kids to play at the park spurred the plans for the project. Right now, the park features a giant cardinal and turtle that kids can climb on. The park hosts the city's farmers' market, food truck rodeos and other community events.

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform. People who donate to Kickstarter projects get rewards in exchange for their pledges. Backers for the Mt. Merrill project get everything from a thank you and invitation to the unveiling event to prominent display of an individual or business' name or brand or tickets to Meals at the Market dinner.