The Drumheller community will soon have a much needed accessible playground at Greentree School.
Nikki Isley, member of the Parent Council, said, “When I heard that Greentree was adding to their playground, I offered to help in order to make sure accessibility became a part of the design.”
The playground upgrades will include accessible and sensory design elements. There will be accessible rubber pour-in-place surfacing, ADA (American Disabilities Association) accessible stairs with a wheelchair transfer module, a sensory roller slide, and multiple ground level play panels. As well as these additions there will be upgrades done to the drainage system and removal of the present gravel surrounding the current playground.
Isley said, “We have officially raised approximately $125,000 to date thanks to the amazing Parent Council. The Town of Drumheller has generously donated in-kind labour to assist in prepping the ground for the playground installation. We appreciate the Town’s assistance, support, and generosity throughout this project.”
With the amount already raised, Friends of Greentree School Society has been able to apply for the provincially funded Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant which will match up to $125,000. According to Isley they are hopeful they will be accepted for this grant as well as many other grants they have applied for.
Isley said, “It isn’t just about children with disabilities either. Parents, grandparents, caregivers with disabilities can now play with their child. This will be the only accessible playground in town, therefore, it will be an important addition to our town in so many ways.”
