By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Efforts to replace City Park playground equipment Peabody’s insurance company considers high-risk are gathering momentum.

At Monday’s city council meeting, council member Janice Woodruff said donations can be placed in a bank account already established instead of incurring fees for a new account.

EMC Insurance earlier sent a letter to the city about three pony swings, a Mitchell merry-go-round built in 1926, gymnastic rings, a multi-axis swing, and two slides. The insurance company also recommended putting more cushioning around and below playground equipment.

N. M. Patton, board member for Peabody Community Foundation, has been meeting with a group called Partners of Peabody Park to raise money for the project.

In 2008, the city added four character spring riders and a large slanting ring set in motion by children’s play. Those items cost $13,797.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, council members hired Elizabeth Harder as city treasurer at $13 per hour.