By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
The installation of a new accessible playground at Delisle Elementary School can go ahead as planned this spring after Prairie Spirit trustees recently approved a short-term loan to make up for some donations coming in later than expected.
During their February 24 meeting, trustees reviewed a request from the Delisle School Community Council for a short-term loan of $49,000.
Jesse Reis, principal of Delisle Elementary School, said the community council has a subcommittee that has been working for the past two years to raise funds for a new playground, reaching out to local businesses and holding various events.
Reis said their old playground is unsafe, adding that the slide was damaged last summer and they have to replace some boards on it annually. “Initially, we weren’t going to get rid of it, but after (what happened this past) summer, we are,” he added.
“More importantly, we have many students with mobility issues and navigating to and on the playground is very difficult. This new playground is accessible to all and includes rubber paving to support all students.”
Thanks to the council’s hard work and many generous donations — including a $100,000 donation from the Delisle Co-op in June 2023 — the estimated $263,000 cost of the playground has been fully fundraised.
Reis said they are scheduled to install the new playground the week of May 20, adding that they are doing a volunteer installation and are hoping to gather the community around this project.
However, as noted by Prairie Spirit administration at the February 24 board meeting, there is a timing issue with some of the funds raised for the project.
That is why the community council was in need of a $49,000 loan, which will be paid back over five years.