Friends of Meridian Playground recently kicked off its capital campaign with an "Art in the Park" event that included a parade around the Good Shepherd Center and through Wallingford. Participants helped create ceramic leaves to be incorporated into the playground this spring. The group promises more such art events at local schools.

A $125,000 matching grant application has been submitted to the Department of Neighborhoods, and the proposal is considered a strong one, reports Chris Gedye of Friends of Meridian Park. News of the grant award will come in December or January, and groundbreaking is anticipated for the spring.

King County Councilwoman Cynthia Sullivan awarded the project $2,300 this fiscal year, with an additional $2,700 to come after Jan. 1.

The group needs to raise approximately $165,000 more to complete its project.

The group is offering an opportunity to purchase granite tiles to be installed in the donor circle of the playground engraved with the name of your choice. Tiles cost $75 for one, or $145 for two. Donor forms can be found at the Wallingford Neighborhood Office, the Wallingford-Wilmot Library, Tully's on 45th and other Wallingford area businesses, or the Good Shepherd Center lobby.