It really goes without saying that playgrounds are an essential part of any community.
The ongoing mission of the Innisfail Shared Playground project for the upgraded Innisfail Schools Campus, which is being spearheaded by the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), reflects the community's passion to ensure kids have a modern and safe place to hang out.
It is an ambitious two-phased project that includes a Winter Wonderland set and a freestanding octopus climber. But it is pricey with an estimated price tag of almost $350,000. So far, the PAC has raised about $50,000 and has secured the help of the Innisfail Kinsmen for the playground's installation.
But more help is needed, and with the first phase of the multi-million dollar upgrades at the schools campus nearly complete, additional support from the community would be welcome sooner rather than later.
The PAC has been making its rounds recently to both Innisfail and Red Deer County councils.
PAC has made a pitch to Innisfail town council, which has already granted $700,000 support to the schools campus upgrade project. The group's request for financial support to the playground project will be considered in an upcoming council meeting.
On Jan. 28 the same request was made to Red Deer County council, and rather oddly, there was a decidedly cool reception. It was noted that the county has already contributed $300,000 to the current upgrades at the schools campus and an offer of financially assisting the playground project was not forthcoming, although Coun. Philip Massier said one option was to support it with a reduced level of funding.
ìPerhaps we should look at becoming a partial sponsor for $10,000 in recognition that county ratepayer families do attend those schools,î said Massier.
His point was a good one in light of the fact that 20 per cent of the total Innisfail student population at Innisfail's three Chinook's Edge schools are residents of Red Deer County, along with 50 per cent of the students at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School.
What can't be lost here is that when kids leave the school grounds after class it does not mean the playground will go unused during evenings, on weekends and holidays. The entire community will benefit from the project, not just the schools. And in this case it is two communities ñ Innisfail and Red Deer County. Kids in the county, as well as adults, come to Innisfail frequently and they too also like to visit playgrounds after classes close.
While Red Deer County is at best lukewarm to the idea of financially supporting the playground project, Innisfail council has an opportunity to show that it is enthusiastic to the notion that playgrounds are simply good for the overall health of the community. If that is held by council then it should be a no-brainer that it can and will make a strong financial contribution to the project.
After all, playgrounds are more than just essential to a community. They are where the heart beats the loudest.
