A five-year project is now just two months away from completion at a local elementary school but a group is still hoping to drum up just a few more coins for the piggy bank.
The Society Enriching Education at Albert Lacombe School (SEEALS), a branch of the parent committee, is helping raise funds to purchase equipment for a playground redevelopment in August. Its members are promoting the sale of engraved rubber bricks to achieve the last of the $357,000 needed to cover the cost of fixtures including saucer swings and an X-wave teeter-totter. The bricks will be laid out in a pathway as a symbol of community support.
Amy McCooeye, president of the group, said members also hope to redo the school’s outdoor basketball courts. She said the playground is also going to be wheelchair accessible. The anticipation has the students feeling like they would on the night before Christmas.
“All of the kids know what’s coming. They’re totally jazzed up there. They’re so excited.”
Funding for the project has come through a variety of sources, including provincial grants. She said the most important support, however, comes from the surrounding neighbourhoods. That’s where the benefit will be felt the most.
“The area is used not only by the school but is a way for Grandin-area residents to play together as a family,” she stated, adding that it isn’t exclusive to that area. “Everyone has a chance to leave a lasting legacy on this wonderful new playground in their community.”
The bricks are $25 for grey, $50 for red, $75 for green and $100 for terra cotta. The deadline for sales is Saturday, June 20. SEEALS is also hoping for major sponsors and volunteers for the build during August 13 to 16.
Anyone interested in helping out can go to the school website at www.al.gsacrd.ab.ca or call McCooeye at 780-732-7144. Albert Lacombe School is located at 50 Gainsborough Avenue.
