What is this stake in my yard and can I remove it?

Question

My child has been swinging in our front yard (NC, US) and worn away the grass, revealing this metallic stake (* See photo, note the acorn top for scale*):
I gently tried to pull it up, but it is lodged in pretty well, and I don't want to damage city property it could indicate a gas line or something important. I don't think it is a ground rod (it seems to be stainless steel).
As it is right under her swing I'd like to remove it as it is a safety hazard, but I think I probably shouldn't.

A. I. Breveleri · Answer

Most municipalities and counties maintain a central resource of buried utility line locations. Here in New England it's telephone 888-DIG-SAFE. In most of the U.S. you can start with telephone 811.
They probably do not know exactly where the lines run onto your property, but they will tell you what to look for, and if that stake is one of theirs.

isherwood · Answer

Looks like a run-of-the-mill landscape stake to me. They're used for securing plastic edging, fabric, etc. Could also be a tent peg. It's a horse apiece.

I'd give it a few taps with a hammer to loosen it, then try prying it out with a spade or the hammer with a block under it.

What is this stake in my yard and can I remove it?

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