The Smithfield Public School yard is the only green space and playground in the Smithfield community and its needs a facelift. The Smithfield Public School Council is currently working to raise $165,000 in order to do just from this growing school which has doubled in size recently and now educates 213 students.
Recently the school had to remove parts of the existing play structure because it didn’t meet code and to make space for a portable. The remaining structures are also not accessible for all children.
Their new build plan will create an inclusive and engaging playground for all ages and abilities.
“Our plan includes opportunities for imaginative, open-ended and risky play,” added White. “Our school council has been working hard with fundraising initiatives and families who have been donating to our playground fund as they can too.”
Members of the community are beginning to respond to this project.
“Natasha Huizinga – Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty and Anne Butwell – Remax Brighton donated $2,500 each and Doug LeBlanc and his family matched this with a $5,000 donation,” said White. “Vanderlaan Building Materials and Installation has almost made a $10,000 donation too. This has so helped us move forward with our initial plans and we are now at $30,000 of our $165,000 goal.”
They still have a ways to go to reach their entire goal.
The school still needs help to complete their entire build in order to make it accessible and inclusive not only for their students but for the entire community too. You can learn more about the project using this link to view short video https://binkd.co/msWzC
If you want to get involved with their fundraising activities or make a donation to the Smithfield Playground Project, please email Lisa White – Principal at lisa_white@kprdsb.ca and find out how you can help too.
(Written by: Alicia Vandine)
