Jake Davidson and William Lamar wanted to create the same memories they had when they were growing up.

So, for the last two months, the Lamar School students raised more than $50,000 to help renovate Jeannie’s Place at Planet Playground in Meridian. The money moves the project one step closer to the $320,000 goal needed to start phase one.

The playground has been closed for the last two years so it can renovated to it more accessible for kids with disabilities. 

“So everybody can have an inclusive play experience,” said Lamar.

The inspiration for the project is Jeannie Null, the daughter of Julie and Jason Null, who contacted the city about redesigning the park for children with special needs. The young girl has used a wheelchair since she was 5. 

Davidson and Lamar, both football players, sent letters and reached out to the community to raise the money. 

Lamar, a Boy Scout, originally wanted to build park benches for his Eagle Scout project. But after seeing the dilapidated condition at Planet Playground, he changed his mind. Ken Kercheval, CEO and scout executive of the Boy Scouts of America of the Choctaw Area Council, said this is one of the better Eagle Scout projects he’s seen. 

“It’s not about building something, it’s about a leadership project,” said Kercheval.

Davidson became involved in the project after he volunteered at a camp for children with disabilities this summer. He also wanted to do something during his free time when he wasn’t playing football. The teens recalled their experience on the playground, saying they want to make it as good as it was when they were younger. 

Lee Thaggard, president of the Downtown Optimist Club, said the club will match donations of $100 or more made by the end of the year, up to $10,000. 

Davidson and Lamar are still seeking money to move the project forward, with hopes to start the renovation process in February. 

In addition to being accessible to children with disabilities, the playground will feature industrial-grade plastic instead of the current playground equipment. It’s also expected to incorporate local community identifiers, such as Union Station and the Jimmie Rodgers train.

 “We are trying to make the playground the greatest it can be,” said Lamar.