Parkersburg, IA- An area community is still recovering from one of Iowa’s biggest storms,
Nearly a year ago an EF-5 tornado destroyed parts of the communities of Parkersburg and New Hartford.
More than 200 homes and businesses were destroyed, including the Aplington- Parkersburg High School and the town's playground equipment.
Late last summer community members started working on plans to restore those play areas.
This week, a company called "miracle playground equipment" is working with volunteers to replace what was lost. On Wednesday they were flocking to Parkersburg to help the community install a half million dollars worth of new playground equipment.
The people who made it possible can't believe this day has finally here.
"Last few weeks and month has been talked about coordination and making' this day happen, couldn't ask for better weather, couldn't ask for better people, couldn't ask for a better project to be getting done," said Parkersburg Police Chief Chris Luhring.
Parkersburg Police Chief Chris Luhring helped raise more than 200 thousand dollars. A Missouri based playground equipment maker helped Parkersburg reach its goal.
Curt Schroeder from Boland Recreation out of Marshalltown, IA is on hand to make sure all the pieces find the right spot.
"You can stand back at the end of the day or the end of two days and say you know it's all for them."
The tornado left Parkersburg with just one swing set. All the other equipment has to be torn out. For Luhring the new playgrounds are more than just fun for the kids.
"We're not shoving kids into a corner someplace and giving them counseling per say, we're giving them a safe place to go and a safe place to play it's not just for the kids but for the grandparents, the parents for everybody involved," he said.
Now he's thanking all those who helped make this miracle happen.
"This tornado, in my opinion, is not just about destruction, it's about construction, and doing what's right on the flip side and this is just one small part."
They are still looking for donations to help build the third playground. They need 30 thousand more dollars.
If you would like to volunteer you can give Parkersburg’s Media Coordinator Amy Truax a call at (319) 346-9853 or e-mail her at ajtruax@aol.com.
