After years of dedicated fundraising, a new chapter is about to begin at Westbrook School.
A brand-new playground is set to be installed at the end of June. But before that happens, volunteers are needed to bring it to life.
“We’ve been working hard for a number of years to fundraise for a new playground, and the last week of June is the week it’s officially being installed,” says Brittney Topilko with the Friends of Westbrook Society. “We’re all very excited, but we are looking for some volunteers to help us with the lag.”
The build is scheduled for June 23 to 27, and the team needs 30 volunteers per day to help make the vision a reality.
“No experience necessary,” says Topilko. “Some of the tasks include running food or helping to unpack hardware, and of course, if you have special skills, that’s a bonus.”
The project has been years in the making, with the community stepping up to raise more than $300,000.
“It’s been a learning experience for me. Funding for playgrounds doesn’t come from the school or the province. It’s up to the school community to make it happen,” she explains.
The current playground has reached the end of its lifespan and was removed going into this weekend. Students had their final play on it just days ago.
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What makes this new park even more special is that it was designed with input from the students.
“We surveyed all the kids, from kindergarten to Grade 8, to see what they’d love to have. We were able to combine all that feedback into something that suits all ages,” she says.
Volunteers can sign up for full or half-day shifts, and local businesses are encouraged to bring teams out for a day of community building.
“We’ll have food and drinks for everyone, there will be breaks, and a site foreperson will be there to guide volunteers."
Topilko reminds everyone that, once built, the new playground is open to the wider community, not just during school hours.
“You’re welcome to stop in and play after hours. It’s a community park,” she says. “The gates are only there to prevent camping, but anyone is welcome.”
For those wanting to lend a hand, you can sign up HERE.