Chances are that many of your fondest childhood memories involve some sort of play-time. Some of those memories would likely include playing in the schoolyard at recess, or before your school day began.
For many of the younger students at Meaford Community School (MCS), their outdoor play has involved a little less fun this year, after their ageing playground equipment was deemed unsafe, and was subsequently removed prior to the beginning of the school year.
While MCS has been raising funds for the past two years to replace their playground equipment, the push has been on this year to accelerate the process.
Kara Bowles, Principal of MCS, told The Independent that the response from the community in their quest to raise funds has been outstanding this year, with pledges of support coming from the both the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs as well as local businesses, and individual residents. Meaford's firefighters have also donated funds to the cause.
“The town has really rallied which has been really comforting to know that when you really need it, people always step up,” said Bowles.
While the focus may be on replacing the primary playground equipment for the younger students, Bowles says that there are several improvements needed for the entire schoolyard, and those improvements will cost approximately $45,000.
So far the school and their parent council have managed to raise a total of $31,000, and they are hoping that the generosity of Meaford residents will help them as they push toward raising the last third of their goal.
Bowles said that improvements to their schoolyard and its playgrounds is important not just for the students at MCS, but for the entire community as their yard is used by children after school hours, on weekends, and during the summer months, making it one of the important gathering places for parents and children in the community.
“I would love to see MCS become the heart of the community, and have people using it all the time,” offered Bowles, “It would be great to have more parents bringing their kids in the summer and on weekends to play on the equipment, and hang out with each other. I'd like our school yard to be even more community-friendly.”
For those interested in helping MCS to reach their fundraising goal for their schoolyard improvements, there are several ways to help.
Nancy Ellis, who is a community representative on the parent council at MCS, has been raising funds through an initiative she's called “Buy a hand, build a smile.”
“To see the empty spot where the wooden structure once stood, and to realize that there are close to 200 children without anything to play on is concerning. My family is the third generation to have grown up in the school and I felt the need to do what I could,” Ellis told The Independent.
Ellis, who is the owner of downtown business Simply Unique Flowers & Gifts has placed a ladder in her store window that is filled with some 200 hand prints from the junior kindergarten through grade three students at the school. Each student has coloured the paper hands, and they have also printed their names on them making them perfect holiday gifts for family members, while raising much needed funds for the school playground.
You can purchase one of the hands for $5 by visiting the shop which is located at 47 Sykes Street North.
If you would like to contribute funds directly to the school, or if you would like to organize a fundraising event, you can also contact the school principal directly by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phoning 519-538-2260.
