The plan is to build something that will incorporate the needs of accessibility, safety and engagement for all of the kids in school and the community. No final decision has been made on design as they are still in discussions with different companies.
“Our priorities are accessibility and engagement. We are hoping to build a structure that can incorporate many different options for engagement (slides, climbing areas, zip lines, etc.), while also fulfilling accessibility needs.”
The committee has set its fundraising goal at $300,000 for the project. Cannons said they are collecting funds in a variety of different ways, from school fundraisers/events to collecting donations. Already, they have held events at the school like hot dog and pizza days, a Halloween carnival and movie night. She added they are applying for grants and there are more fundraisers coming in the near future.
On May 28, the Connecting Westman Tour, held by Westman Communications, will be visiting Souris. Each summer they select communities to receive support from their charity barbecues and then they poll their members to see what cause they would like supported. The Souris School Early Years playground was chosen. Attendees receive a hotdog, smokie, chips and a drink at donation-based pricing. Once all of the food is sold, WCG counts up donations and matches the total. The charity barbecues have raised over $78,000 for local initiatives.
The Souris stop, the first on the tour will be held at the Co-op gas bar from 11:30am to 1:30pm, with the hope it can bring in some serious money for the project.
Cannons said they have been very happy with the support they have seen from the community so far in supporting their efforts. They would appreciate continued help, either by attending fundraisers or making donations.
“We are looking for a partnership in this endeavor, and encourage anyone who might be interested in being our lead donor to contact us to start a conversation,” Cannons stated. “Please contact the Souris School office if you would like to make a donation and to get in contact with any of our committee members.”
She added they would like to have the new structure up within the next two years, expecting it to be all constructed at once.
Cannons said the project would be a great one not only for the school but the community as a whole. The playground is available for anyone to use, and a she stressed a new structure will be another great space and draw for Souris.
“Having this area renovated and refreshed will provide the community with another great area for families to spend their time.”
They are looking forward to continuing on their way to providing new play opportunities.
“We are very excited about the project and the students are too,” Cannons said. “It is of great importance to our students, who need a safe, accessible, and stimulating structure to use as a brain break from the hard demands of the classroom. It is important to Souris as it will create another fun and accessible place for families to spend their time, and another space for the summer tourists to explore.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff