A South Surrey elementary school is looking for help raising $65,000 to renovate their outdated playground.
According to Ocean Cliff Elementary PAC president Tami Hanson, the 22-year-old playground is no longer suitable for the school’s growing student population, and because of its age, it is nearly impossible to find replacement parts.
“The final straw was when we had two pieces of our playground removed due to vandalism and wear and tear. Because it is so old, there is no manufacturer that will put a new piece on to an old playground. Our playground is a little bit like a patchwork quilt right now,” she said Thursday.
After becoming PAC president three years ago, Hanson – who has a seven-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son at the school – got the ball rolling with other parents to replace the playground.
After researching options, the estimated cost was set at $125,000. So far, $60,000 has been raised through fundraising and a $10,000 grant from the Surrey School District – with the initial $20,000 going towards a new sports court – but the small school community cannot foot the bill alone, Hanson said.
Adding to the urgency is the recent influx of more than 100 students due to the closing of École Laronde Elementary’s English program.
Hanson believes there are many who use the playground and who may not know about the replacement project.
“We know there are grandparents, parents and even people who do not go to the school who use the playground who may not know we are looking to improve it,” she said. “When you’re undertaking something like this, it’s a huge responsibility and the more people who know, the more they understand.”
Hanson noted the school will continue hosting fundraisers – including an upcoming skip-a-thon and a zumba-a-thon to be held in January – and she encourages the community to find out more.
Donations can be made at the school, 12550 20 Ave., or online at www.oceancliff.org.
For more info, email tami@oceancliff.org