Kids on Wheels is over halfway to meeting its fundraising goal to build a skate and teen park at Deer Run Park.

As of Aug. 16, their online fundraiser campaign through Patronicity was sitting at $30,340.

That total grew to $33,000 by Aug. 21.

However, that does not include a $5,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation.

It does include a grant from South Central Indiana REMC’s Operation RoundUp. Once the Tony Hawk Foundation sends a letter stating that the grants can go toward the fundraiser, they will be added to the online total.

The group has until Sept. 22 to raise $50,000, which would earn a $50,000 match through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

If they don’t reach the $50,000 goal by that date, they will still get to keep what they raised through Patronicity, said parent volunteer Clara Stanley.

The group received two $500 donations from individuals and a $500 donation from the Brown County Lions Club this month. The Brown County Community Closet Inc. donated $750, and during the Brown County 4-H Fair, the group raised $520. One online donation totaled $5,000 by itself.

If the full $50,000 is raised and then the $50,000 match is received, parent volunteer Colleen Smith said the park could be built at the county’s Deer Run Park this fall.

In addition to a skateboarding area, the park will feature hammock swings, tire swings, picnic tables, a gaga ball pit and landscaping.

In the future, the group hopes to expand the park to include a pavilion and amphitheater, according to the fundraising website.

To make a donation online, visit the group’s fundraising campaign at patronicity.com.

Kids on Wheels is also accepting donations through its Facebook page.

They also can be mailed to BETA at P.O. Box 1194, Nashville, IN 47448, with “Kids on Wheels” in the memo line; or donations can be dropped at the Brown County Democrat office at 147 E. Main St.

Kids on Wheels are selling $10 T-shirts as a fundraiser. Shirt order forms are available at the Brown County IGA and the Brown County Democrat. Orders also can be made by contacting Michelle Roberson at 812-340-5583 or [email protected].

The Chocolate Moose in Nashville will donate a portion of its profits on Wednesday, Aug. 22 to Kids on Wheels. Donation coupons are available at the IGA. Other local restaurants also may participate in this type of fundraiser each Wednesday until Sept. 19, Stanley said.