Children Work For Splash Pad

"Will Work for a Splash Pad!" NewsOn6.com anchor Margaret Stokes found out that's the most popular T-shirt logo in Mounds these days.

"We have to have these t-shirts so they know we're working for the splash pad," explained Tobie Armstrong who is taking part in the fundraiser.

What began as wishful thinking for two local kids is getting closer to reality.

"I just came up with the idea so that the kids in Mounds, instead of having to drive to another splash pad in another town, they could just walk here," said Kaden Rackley.

Determined to have a new splash pad by summer 2009, Kaden and Kana Rackley got their friends and family on board.  That's how the "Will Work for Splash Pad" t-shirts were born.

The kids sold lemonade, cookies, and fruit! Now they're turning to local businesses for help!

Karen Rackley, Supportive Mom & Fundraiser: "Just recently we got a bigger plan to where we broke it up into pieces that businesses can sponsor each piece, and we've had a great response," explains Karen Rackley, Kaden and Kana's mom.  "We've even had a local church support us - they sponsored a piece; there's a family that got together to support a piece. So I just think with businesses, churches and community groups, maybe everybody can work together to get this done. "

The construction will cost 100-thousand dollars. So far they've collected a little more than four-thousand dollars. There's still a ways to go, but the kids have their eye on the prize!

"It would be easier for us kinds here in Mounds to just be able to come down to the park and have fun," said Tobie Armstrong.

"It would be a lot more fun because we could go to the splash pad then we could come to the park to dry off," explains Connor McNabb. "Then if we want to, if it's a really hot day, we could go over there to play and get wet."

"I'm so proud. There have been some people who say you can't raise that amount of money, but the kids have been working so hard that it's going to happen, said Karen Rackley. "It may take us a while but it's going to happen."

Here is the information if you would like to donate to the children's cause:

Mounds Splash Pad Fund
P.O. Box 468
Mounds, OK 74047
(918) 827-7600

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com anchor/reporter