The West Sechelt Playground Enhancement Committee has reached its goal and building is now underway.
After fundraising for four years, the group has raised the $114,000 needed to install a rubberized surface and new accessible equipment at the West Sechelt Elementary School playground.
The first phase of construction started last week when the monkey bars were moved out of the existing playground area.
The high bars will be reused in a different part of the field. Because they’re not considered to be accessible equipment, they don’t need to be surrounded by a rubber groundcover and will instead be set on pea gravel.
This week a cement walkway was poured around the accessible playground area, and once it’s set the new equipment will be moved in.
The playground will receive a new dual slide unit, tandem bouncer, sit and spin saucers, talking tubes, a club house, sensory and music panels, a stand up teeter-totter and some low bars and rings.
At the beginning of June the new rubberized surface will be poured and an opening ceremony is slated for sometime during the second week of June.
Playground enhancement committee members are excited to celebrate with the community after four years of fundraising.
“We are very grateful to all the businesses, children, parents, grandparents and the entire community for coming together to help us build a dream — a place for everyone to play in West Sechelt,” said committee chair Sue Shinn. “We just want to give a huge heart-filled thank you to our entire community and we want to celebrate our accomplishment together.”
The majority of funds for the playground came from individual and business donations, and a $26,000 grant from Tire Stewardship B.C. and $10,000 in support from the District of Sechelt were instrumental in making the dream a reality.
Also integral to the project is the in-kind support from local companies including Croteau Contracting, McCourt Contracting, Doug Kennedy Trucking, Dennis Turrene Concrete, Ross Co. Concrete Services and Lehigh Materials.
The entire project boasts $15,000 of in-kind materials and labour.
“We really couldn’t do this without the incredible support of the many community-minded business people who are giving their time and talents to make this playground possible,” added committee treasurer Allyson Fawcus.
While the playground is under construction, the students at West Sechelt Elementary School are playing with items purchased by the committee. Members hope to find a contractor able to relocate the monkey bars soon, so kids can enjoy them while construction continues.
If you would like to help, contact the playground enhancement committee at [email protected] or call Shinn at 604-740-2372.
Watch Coast Reporter for news of the grand opening celebration once it’s finalized in the coming weeks.
