In just over six months, students, staff and supporters of the Huntsville Public School (HPS) accessible playground project have come a long way in their fundraising efforts. They have raised $55,500 so far of the $175,000 they need; Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) will match those funds to get them to the $350,000 cost of the structure. They also received a $50,000 grant, which TLDSB will also match, to cover the cost of the playground’s rubberized surface.
The group must raise the remaining funds needed by the end of the 2017-2018 school year or risk losing some of the grant money it has received.
They’re vying for an AVIVA Community Fund grant that would put them another $50,000 closer to their goal, but they need the support of the community to get there. As of this morning, their project had 9,289 votes and needs as many as possible to earn a spot in the finals.
There are 502 projects in this year’s competition; HPS needs to rank in the top 15 in their category and funding level – Community Health up to $50,000 – to move on.
The community has already been incredibly supportive, says teacher Kate McNaughton. The idea was hatched by a grade six class at the school, and staff and parent council quickly got on board to help make it a reality. They’ve made it this far thanks to some in-school fundraising, donations from local businesses and individuals, events, and small grants.
“Right now we are in negotiations with the Rotary Club for a sizable amount – they haven’t said yes but they haven’t said no, so we’re hoping,” says McNaughton. The Rotary Club of Huntsville and partners were successful in receiving an Aviva Community Fund grant for the River Mill Park bandshell in 2015.
“We have to do it this (school) year. If we don’t accomplish our goal, then the completely accessible playground we are looking at we won’t be able to get because the grants that we have applied for will run out,” says McNaughton.
The group does have two playgrounds in mind, but the less expensive of the two isn’t completely accessible. “The one we really want is the accessible one, it’s bigger and it has a lot of rampage for the couple of kids we have in wheelchairs,” says McNaughton. “I know people are shocked by the amount, but it’s something that’s going to last for a long time.”
A rendering of the proposed accessible playground at Huntsville Public School
Local insurance brokerage Hutcheson, Reynolds and Caswell has thrown its support behind the playground project. In the past, before the AVIVA Community Fund was established eight years ago, they would request funding for various community projects and have continued to champion local efforts that apply for funding through the annual competition.
“We’ve supported a bunch of ideas around here. Some have gone on to win and some haven’t,” says Adam Caswell. “This project is near and dear to our heart. It’s not limited to just kids at Huntsville Public. It helps get kids active and gets them outside.” The brokerage also supports youth minor sports in the community. “Anything that encourages kids to get out and do stuff is a great thing.”
Anyone who wants to support the project can register and vote here. Voting closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on October 19. Finalists will be announced November 1, after which a panel of judges will determine the winning projects to be announced on December 5.
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Let’s get this done??
HPS IS GREAT and the best school