A parent group that's been planning the design and fundraising efforts for a new playground at Percy Pegler School made a presentation to Okotoks Town Council on Tuesday (Nov. 12).
Kim Evans, a member of the group with a background in construction project management, represented the group at the meeting, sharing the design and funding plans and requesting funding and labour contributions from the Town.
She told council that Percy Pegler's 20-year-old playground is among the largest and most-used in town, owing to the school's proximity to the recreation centre.
"This is not 'It is failing? Oh, we'll push it,' it's already failed and we're pushing it through repairs and trying to make modifications neccesary to keep it safe for the residents," Evans told council members.
She also shared concern playground's location could present some liability for the Town if an injury does occur as a result of disrepair.
The planned replacement would be fully accessible for people of all abilities, explained Evans, including easy access to several of the nearby pathways.
It would also include ramps and a wheelchair-accessible swing.
The main playground structure is being planned in two stages, with a goal to have installation take places over the summers of 2025 and 2026.
The project has an estimated budget if aeound $800,000, though the planning group has been looking into ways to reduce the cost.
They've also explored several avenues for fundraising, including applying for a Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant of $125,000.
The group has also been in touch with local service clubs and businesses, and are offering charitable donation receipts for contributions to the project.
Evans, on behalf of the group, requested two donations of $5,000 over the next two years from the Town, and offered a charitable donation receipt for $25,000 if the Town could provide labour services to help remove the current playground structure and gravel.
Mayor Tanya Thorn told Evans that the Town wouldn't be able to make use of the receipt, and that council would consider the donation request during their budget talks, which are set to start next week.
The full council agena and meetig can be seen on the Town's website.