A group of Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from Yellowquill School are leaving their mark on Portage la Prairie—literally.
Back in October, teachers Kristen Harley and Kelly Gretsinger launched a "learning buddies" partnership between their classes. What started as a classroom mentorship program quickly grew into something much bigger when Mayor Sharilyn Knox got involved. She shared news of the city's upcoming green space improvements and saw an opportunity for youth input.
“We knew that we were doing enhancements to our community spaces and our green spaces in our upcoming budget,” notes Knox. “So we thought this would be a great opportunity to get feedback from students, the ones who are going to be using these spaces.”
After outlining the McKay Avenue playground project, city staff left the planning challenge in the students’ hands. The kids got to work and presented their ideas to members of city council, the city manager and operations team.
“I can honestly say that this is one of the most my favourite things that I've been involved in as mayor,” adds Knox. “I was blown away by what these students had done, the thoughtfulness, the research, the working together that they had done, and what they presented to us was phenomenal.”
Student voices shape a future public space
Kristen Harley, who teaches Grade 6, explains how the project helped her students develop leadership and confidence.
“They didn't really see themselves as such before the project started,” says Harley. “There was some hesitation... we heard ‘I'm not a leader,’ but they just flourished into being leaders and role models for the Grade 1 students.”
Students didn’t just focus on playground equipment. They talked to community members—including a school staff member who uses a wheelchair—to better understand accessibility. They also thought through materials, generational use, and cultural representation.
“They thought about the many generations that may be using a park, from the really young baby to the older grandparents,” continues Harley. “It was a really good opportunity for our students to think beyond themselves and think of others.”
Kelly Gretsinger, who teaches Grade 1, agrees that the collaboration helped build meaningful relationships and thoughtful ideas.
“They talked about things like accessibility and safety, the environment,” remarks Gretsinger. “They looked at options like a nature playground and things like that.”
From nervous pitches to standing ovations
At the presentation, students shared their vision with the city's top decision-makers. Their ideas earned more than polite applause.
“City Council was blown away,” says Harley. “They gave our students a standing ovation... they were just amazed by the ideas that our kids came up with.”
Grade 6 student Kali Klemetski says she was nervous to present but felt proud to take part in something meaningful.
“Not many classes get to do this,” notes Kali.
Kali says she hopes the park is not only fun and functional but also respected.
“I hope it goes good and doesn't get wrecked,” continues Kali.
She also highlights the importance of accessibility.
“We were thinking of doing maybe a handrail to help them get up,” adds Kali. “And maybe instead of wood chips we would do maybe concrete.”
From buddy programs to community changemakers
The partnership did more than design a park. It changed how students relate to one another—and their city.
“What I noticed when we came back last week is that the Grade 1s and the Grade 6s were just comfortable with each other and intermingling,” remarks Knox. “It just showed what these learning buddies programs can do.”
She says the park will see upgrades this summer, with a grand opening planned for the fall. Students who helped shape the project will be part of that celebration.
“I just want to thank Miss Gretsinger and Miss Harley for the amazing work on this project and leading those students,” says Knox. “I'm just incredibly proud of all those students.”
Harley also hopes this is just the beginning.
“This project has kind of made us realize even more than we did before how important it is to bring young people to the table and to hear young voices,” mentions Harley. “Because they make such an impact.”
- with files from Brittany Boschman