Providing restroom facilities for a popular community playgroundis the goal of a fund-raising drive getting under way soon in thecity, Kids’ Kingdom officials said.

The drive coincides with this week’s observance of NationalPlayground Safety Week.

“We thought it would be a good time to kick off the fund-raisingcampaign to build restrooms at the playground,” said Sally Doty, amember of the Kids’ Kingdom Foundation.

Foundation President Emily Henderson and Doty said the goal is$5,000.

“We have some money left over from the initial campaign but notenough,” Doty said.

By this weekend, Henderson said donation jars will be placed atboth Cracker Barrel convenience store locations on Highway 51 andwill be there through the end of May. Owner Mike Becker said he wasglad to assist in the playground effort.

The playground was built three years ago on donated property offIndustrial Park Road. A pavilion was added the following year.

The playground is located in a flood plain. Water and sewerplans related to the restroom placement have been developed, saidTerry Reid, director of the Brookhaven Recreation Department, whichoversees day-to-day activities.

“All we’re waiting on is the Corps of Engineers to stamp it,”Reid said.

Reid said the restroom will be built about 3 feet above theground.

“It’s going to be a graded step-up and have a wheelchair ramp onone end,” he said.

Mentioning the possibility of school field trips and otheractivities, Doty and Reid said having the restrooms would encouragemore use of the park. They said it is already a popular locationfor birthday parties, family outings and other functions.

“So many people use this facility,” Reid said.