After two years of community-driven effort, École Morden Middle School (EMMS) is on the brink of reaching its $80,000 fundraising goal for a new, accessible play structure.
“We are only about $3,000 short,” said Cathy Dueck, Parent Advisory Council member, “if we can reach that by the end of June, we have tentatively planned for an install over the summer.”
Funding has come from a blend of community donations, business contributions, grants, and creative fundraisers like golf tournament raffles and gift card sales. “We're really grateful for all of the support so far,” Dueck said.
Safe and accessible
The new structure will replace the school’s aging wooden playground, which has become a safety concern as it has deteriorated over the years. The new equipment is meant to be accessible to all students and is designed with inclusivity in mind.
Vice Principal Jordan Pauls emphasized the importance of outdoor play in both school life and community health. “We have about 640 students right now. So, if we remove that play structure, we just wouldn’t have as many opportunities for our kids to be physically active.”
According to Pauls, the playground will feature ramps for wheelchair access, a teeter-totter built for all abilities, and a rocking boat that can accommodate users in wheelchairs.
“We know that physically active kids have better emotional health and mental health, so it’s important to us to provide that for our students.”
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For the whole community
Beyond the school grounds, the structure will serve as a public space for families across the city. “When I’m here in the evenings, our playground is full of children from all ages,” Pauls said. “It can be used by anybody, so it’s great for students but also great for our community.”
Dueck echoed the sentiment, noting how fast Morden is growing and how critical it is to create gathering spaces that reflect the community’s diversity and needs. “We want our children to remain healthy and active, which is important for their physical and their mental and emotional health.”
For businesses or individuals still considering a contribution, Dueck noted that donations can be made directly to the Western School Division and are eligible for tax receipts. "If we end up with more, which would be excellent, that would just go toward enhancing the play structure. "
Visit the Western School Division website by clicking here to get in touch and make a donation.