CFLSA

A Safer Place to Play

Children bursting with energy need safe playground equipment; however. the old equipment at Claresholm Elementary School did not fit the bill. "The old play structure just did not meet government safety standards, and it seems that we were always picking splinters out of little hands," said Principal Bob Whitehead.

New equipment is expensive [about $56,000] and education budgets are tight. Having received a grant for similar equipment while in teaching in Fort Macleod, Bob knew where to go for support. He submitted a grant application to the Foundation and his request was answered. "We were absolutely flabbergasted when the Foundation offered to top up our other fundraising efforts," said Bob. "We are so grateful and can honestly report that the equipment is being well and constantly used."

The equipment is so popular that the 250 children in Kindergarten to Grade 3 at the school have specific play times allocated to each grade. "It's amazing how the students can invent new and interesting ways to use the equipment," Bob laughed. It seems that the handicap access to the structure becomes a wonderful slide when snow and ice make it slippery.

The play structure serves the whole community and beyond. "The new equipment is a popular community playground after school and on holidays," said Bob. "And because we are right on the highway and have several picnic tables nearby, we find that travelers with children often stop and take advantage of the equipment too."