The St. Louis Rams are now accepting applications from within the St. Louis metro area for the team's fifth annual Playground Build/Community Improvement Project. The chosen applicant will receive funding for the project and will be joined by members of the Rams organization to participate in the project during June.

"This year, we are expanding the application process to identify possible community improvement projects beyond the traditional playground projects," said Molly Higgins, spokeswoman for the St. Louis Rams.

"Our objective is to be able to respond to the community's greatest need whether it is funding and building a playground or contributing to another improvement project that would enhance the region."

The Rams introduced this community improvement initiative in 2009. In the project's initial year, the team built a playground in a park in East St. Louis. In 2010, the Rams funded a playground at Monroe eMints Academy, a public elementary school in St. Louis.

In 2011, the team constructed a playground for Giant Steps, a special education school and therapy center for children on the autism spectrum. Last year, the Rams provided Fairmont City with a playground.

Applications are available at www.stlouisrams.com/community and must be received by March 11.