When Brackendale Elementary students return to school in the fall, there may be two new outdoor play sets waiting for them.
"We have a number of structures on the playground that are coming to the end of their lifespan that need to be replaced," acting principal Katen Saenger told The Chief.
Saenger said the most popular ideas they hope to go with are a spinning globe to climb on and a double zipline. The globe would replace the double slide in front of the school. A rubber mat will also make the playground more accessible for children and caretakers alike, since it will remove the gravel pit beneath the structure.
The double zipline was proposed by Grade 4 and 5 students, and would replace the rarely used parallel bars and climbing structure behind the school.
The most recent playset was installed at the school in 2007, making the equipment older than most of the students — and even some of the parents — Saenger said. And it gets a lot of use as the students generally have between three and four outdoor play sessions per day.
"There are no inside days at Brackendale Elementary School," she said. "We play outdoors rain or shine. In this day of increasing technology use, our goal with the new playground structures is to promote outside play so that students remain strong, fit, healthy, and social."
Last year, Brackendale Elementary School and the Sea to Sky School District 48 applied to the provincial Playground Equipment Program. In March, the government announced it was one of the schools that will receive $105,000 to update its playground and make it more accessible.
The school worked with the Parent Advisory Council and students to come up with what the new structures should be. The design had to be safe, inclusive, inspire new movement, and inspire teamwork and social skills.
"When people gather in one place during their leisure time, it builds a stronger sense of community," Saenger said. "When you know your neighbour and play with your neighbour, you are a better human being all around. I think you learn about diversity, you learn to respect others, you project a growth mindset."
The school will still need to fundraise more for site preparation and installation. The PAC has committed funds, and the school is applying for funds from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the Squamish Community Foundation.
Construction and installation will be over summer break.
