Outdated playground equipment needs replacement
The parent-advisory council at Diamond Vale Elementary has hit the $25,000 mark for a new playground.
The team has worked on the project for approximately the last four years to help address ramshackle equipment, and needs another $14,000 to reach their goal of $39,000.
“There are a number of structures in the current playground that have been removed,” said Val Edgell, principal at Diamond Vale Elementary. “Some of the pieces have been there for so many years.”
She said much of the funds have come from local businesses.
“We’ve had a few businesses donate large amounts.”
Each year, pieces of the equipment have to be removed because they are deemed unsafe.
The current playground equipment is an estimated 30 years old.
This year, Edgell said she expects the swing sets and climbing cube will have to be removed as well.
The teeter-totter and one of the slides have already been taken out.
With the $39,000, the advisory council hopes to buy a track ride and a climbing apparatus.
“Unfortunately, playground equipment that meets safety standards is really expensive,” Edgell said. “But the equipment we will get will last about 25 years and will be enough for the students.”
Over the years, volunteers have held meat orders, catalogue sales, bottles drives, raffles, donations through Christmas concerts, and hot dog and pizza sales, for example.
The PAC is aiming to raise the remaining $14,000 by the end of May.
Officials with Nicola-Similkameen School District 58 have said the board will pay for equipment installation costs. The district has also applied to the B.C. government for playground grants but their applications haven’t been approved.
“They are going to places in the community and have had strong support so far,” said SD 58 Vice-Chair Richie Gage.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.