White House swing set comes from South Dakota company
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(AP) - The owner of Rainbow Play Systems of Brookings says at first, he thought someone was playing a practical joke when the White House called his business late last year.
But he knew it was for real when the voice on the other end identified himself as Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon, who is director of the executive residence and chief usher at the White House.
When all was said and done, Rainbow Play Systems had sold a swing set to the incoming president and his wife.
The swing set was erected on the White House lawn this week for the president's two daughters.
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Foster says Rochon traveled to Brookings early last month to check out the company's products.
Foster says Rochon climbed on the swings and the slides to test their safety and durability. That's when he placed the order.
The structure has four swings, including a tire swing, a slide, a fort, a climbing wall and climbing ropes. There's also a picnic table with brass plates etched with the names of all 44 presidents.
The Obamas paid for the swing set.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
