All playgrounds have a limited lifecycle, and our much-loved playgrounds – the big playground (“Core”) and the little playground behind the mini-building (“Mini”) – have come to the end of their lifecycles. They are still safe for play but will have to be replaced soon.
The Signal Hill School Enhancement Society (“SHSES”) is responsible for fundraising the playground replacements. It has created a Playground Committee to develop and implement a fundraising program to replace these two playgrounds.
The Committee anticipates a two-year fundraising program for the Mini, and an additional three years for the Core. The Calgary Board of Education inspects and provides maintenance to school playgrounds, but the replacement of aging playgrounds must be managed and fundraised by local school parent societies. The SHSES Playground Committee has estimated a potential two playground build budget of approximately $900K – $1.5m.
Playground Replacement Plan
- Mini Playground: Installed in 2001, with a planned replacement in 2026.
- Core Playground: Installed in 2008, with a planned replacement in 2029.
- The project is organized by the Playground Committee as part of the SHSES initiative to create modern, accessible, and engaging playgrounds for the community.
Funding and Budget
- Estimated Total Cost for Both Playgrounds: Between $900,000 and $1.5 million.
- Initial Fundraising Target: $125,000 to kickstart the Mini rebuild and help secure larger matching grants.
- While much of the funding will come from grants, the local community and the support of corporate efforts all are crucial for covering the costs for making these two projects a reality.
Vision for the New Playgrounds
- Target Users: Primarily children from kindergarten to grade 6, but also designed to serve the broader Signal Hill community.
- Focus Areas:
- Outdoor fitness and activities for all seasons.
- Features like climbing, physical movement, and multi-user stations to promote health, wellness, and an active lifestyle.
- Inclusivity for children and community members with varying abilities.
- Spaces designed for social interaction, creativity, and free play.
Ways to Get Involved
- Volunteer: The committee needs volunteers to help with various aspects, such as fundraising, outreach, and event organizations.
- Donate: You can make financial contributions directly to the Signal Hill School Enhancement Society via the Benevity platform.
- Employer Programs: Check with your employer to see if they offer a Community Investment or matching gifts program, which could double the impact of your financial donation.
Call to Action
- The Playground Committee is actively seeking support from local parents, community members, and neighbors. Every bit of support—whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word—makes a difference.
- All contributions, no matter the size, will help provide a modern, accessible, and long-lasting playground for Battalion Park School and Signal Hill communities, benefiting children and families for many years to come.
This project is an exciting opportunity for the community to come together to create something special for future generations. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in any specific way, contact us for more details!
