The “penny war” between Bowling Green and Otsego school districts raised $5,711.99 for the inclusive playground planned for Carter Park in Bowling Green.
The fundraiser was organized by members of Leadership BG as a way to raise money for the playground being built by Wood County Plays.
On Thursday, representatives of Leadership BG, plus the Bowling Green and Otsego school districts, gathered at Carter Park for the unveiling of the amounts raised.
All the proceeds will benefit the new playground, which will allow children of all abilities to play side by side.
The rules of the “penny war” were as follows. The school district gained points by adding pennies or paper bills to the school bucket. Any silver coins added to the bucket added up to negative points.
The school district with the most positive points won. It was revealed that Otsego earned 16,531 points, compared to Bowling Green’s 44,983 points. As winners, Bowling Green students will get to select one piece of sensory equipment for the playground.
Margie Harris, part of the Wood County Plays program, said the fundraising effort helped raise money and awareness about the need for an inclusive playground.
“I hope they will come out and enjoy the playground when it is done,” Harris said of the students.
