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New playground opens at Cougar Canyon Elementary

PAC raised roughly $40,000 to put towards the North Delta project.
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Students enjoy the new playground at Cougar Canyon Elementary.

Students at Cougar Canyon Elementary School in North Delta have two new playgrounds thanks to a partnership between parents, the Corporation of Delta and the Delta School District.

“Wow, what a year. Two playgrounds in one year. It was busy and a little crazy with lots of decisions to make, but we did it,” said Natalie Dusanj, co-chair of the Cougar Canyon Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to an excited crowd gathered at the official opening of the playgrounds on June 11.

The school renovated its primary area playground and built an entirely new intermediate playground. The PAC fundraised roughly $40,000 towards the project, which was then matched by the municipality. The Corporation of Delta and the Delta School District have partnered to ensure schools have high-quality, accessible and safe playgrounds for the entire community to enjoy. The municipality matches funds raised by school PACs and the school district provides planning and installation support.

“This is a community asset. This is for kids not just from nine to three. This is for you to play in the evenings and on weekends and holidays,” said Delta Board of Education Chair Laura Dixon.

Delta School District Supt. Dianne Turner notetd playgrounds are an important aspect of elementary school life because they enhance learning.

“This is an extension of our indoor classroom. This is our outdoor classroom. This is where the social learning takes place; where students learn to be citizens, and to play, share and collaborate,” said Turner.

Habitat Systems designed the Cougar Canyon playground and the students  love it. Shortly following the playground unveiling, students were invited to play on the new intermediate playground. The students eagerly climbed, swung and zipped throughout the different play elements. It took a lot of effort to realize this playground, but it was worth it.

“May the sound of the children’s laughter be our reward,” said Delta Mayor Lois Jackson.