Work to transform the greenspace in front of Winkler's Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) will begin any day now.
Earlier this year members of the school's Parent Advisory Council revealed plans to turn the big open space adjacent to Main Street into a beautiful and inviting space.
"This school year, together with the school's leadership team, department heads, and our staff, we all talked about what would be our mission and our goal for this school year," explained GVC Principal, Carrie Friesen.
Out of those discussions, Friesen says community partnership was one of two goals. "Community partnership involving the community and our learning, and the students in our community. And, so we were looking for ways to not only invite our community into our school but how we can actually be the catalyst for some changes and go out into our community as well."
Friesen says they're staying true to the original concept of the design because they wholeheartedly believe in the project.
"There will be a walkway joining the front of GVC's parent loop drop off all the way to the sidewalk, connecting us towards the pedestrian crosswalk at Main Street. We will have a shelter, both for classroom use during the day and for community members to use in the evenings...There will be some shade trees and some lanterns, to make sure it's lit during the evenings."
Friesen says they're very grateful for the community support received so far, noting multiple donations and grants are allowing them to get started on the front yard transformation right away.
"It's very exciting. Our goal is to have it started and ended as best we can by the end of the summer."
Friesen says they believe this project is not only a great thing for GVC, but creating something like this along Main Street gives people in the community another place to stop and enjoy the green space, which is quite exciting. "So I think not only as a staff but as students and community members, I hope we're all really excited about the addition to Main Street."
Dreaming to take this project even further is already happening, with eventual plans for the backyard as well.
"We would like the front yard to be a beautiful, inviting, and welcoming community space. We see the backyard more for something for activities." Friesen says they've talked about installing a basketball pad, a pickleball court, and possibly a volleyball net. "Something where the community can have some greenspace, but it would be activity based, and hopefully very inviting in that way."
This being quite a costly venture and only the start of their dream for the green space at GVC, Friesen says donations can still be made, noting no donation is too small.
Friesen says cheques can be made to the GVC Front Yard Project, and tax-deductible receipts will be given. By giving, she says you're not only helping GVC but also the community.