Halfmoon Bay Community School has been named one of 10 finalists for a play space project worth up to $100,000 from the B.C. Automobile Association (BCAA).
But it needs votes to win.
Any member of the public can help the school win the prize money by voting online at www.bcaaplayhere.com where they can also view details about each finalist. Voting runs until June 17 and the three play spaces with the most votes will each receive up to $100,000 in funding.
The top entries were chosen from hundreds province-wide, BCAA said in a release.
“The Halfmoon Bay Community School nomination was well-thought-out and showed a clear need for a better play space,” said Shawn Pettipas, BCAA’s director of community engagement. “The school’s nomination detailed the positive impact a revitalized space would have on families and the greater community of Halfmoon Bay.”
The school’s current play area consists of a grass field and basketball court, along with a dated swing set and play structure. The playground is designed for younger children and during school hours it’s designated for primary students only. By winning the BCAA contest, the school could provide a play space for intermediate students to use.
Parent Linsey Hulls said the proposal, to build an obstacle course in the upper field, is being driven largely by the students themselves.
“We have done our best to make this a student-based project by letting them get involved in presenting it to the community, making the video and raising money for it,” Hulls said.
The play space would have about 13 different stations on which children could race side by side with a start and finish line, alone or in pairs, she said. The structures could also be used individually and during class time for fitness purposes.
“The obstacle course we’re interested in is only around $75,000 and they will install it, so we would use the additional money for the ground cover,” she said.
The winners will be announced June 21.
