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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Plans are well underway to replace Kirksville playground equipment destroyed by arsonists in early June.

At Monday evening’s meeting, the Kirksville City Council unanimously approved the purchase of equipment that was exactly like that in Brashear Park that was torched last month.

The price tag for the new equipment is $19,387.

The city's insurance company will pay for all but $1,000 of that, which is the city's deductible.

The purchase price also includes installation by professionals.

"About $13,000 of that price is for playground equipment, and about $6,000 of it is for installation,” said Melanie Smith, Kirksville assistant city manager. “And, it's important to use a professional installer who has been through the certified course and is a certified installer because you don't want to void any warranties by going with someone who's not certified.”   

Once the new playground equipment for Brashear Park is ordered, which is expected to be this week, it should arrive in four to five weeks.