Innisfail can now lay claim to having the first wheelchair accessible playground in the Chinook’s Edge public school system.
The new playground is located at the Chinook Center School, a kindergarten to Grade 4 institution of about 100 students at 4931 – 52nd St.
Last week the surface to the new playground, made from recycled tires, was finally completed. Last November the playground equipment was installed by volunteers but putting in the underlying surface was delayed due to the seasonal cold weather and then delayed again by the wet spring.
“Not only is the new playground safe and challenging and fun but it is the first wheelchair accessible playground in the entire school system. We are very proud of that,” said Keri Graham, vice president of the school’s Parent Council.
The idea to build a new playground in the front of the school, formerly a parking lot, originated 18 months ago by the Parent Council. The old playground was deemed to no longer meet safety standards.
The council was able to secure a $68,000 grant from the Alberta Lottery Fund. It was also able to match that amount from private donations and fundraising, bringing the total amount to $136,000.
“It’s expensive but totally worth it. The kids absolutely love it,” said Graham, whose two children, five-year-old Megan and seven-year-old Makayla, are students at Chinook Center School.
“This school is really a family. They really care about the students here, not only the academics but the children,” she added. “They integrate all the students, from kindergarten to Grade 4, working together, solving problems and doing activities. We really like the small classes too. It’s really good for the kids.”
The new playground will be formally unveiled in September when classes resume for a new school year. Graham is hoping parents ands sponsors will attend the official unveiling.
