Valleycliffe Elementary School is again surrounded by the laughter of kids at play, thanks to the generosity of locals.
School principal John Flack and the entire student body welcomed donors to a school assembly Monday (Nov. 21) in celebration of a brand new steel and plastic playground.
"This playground will be around long after we're gone," said Flack.
Students sang their school song and handed thank you posters to representatives from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, MacDonald's, the District of Squamish, the Squamish Foundation and Valleycliffe Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for their commitment and donations that totaled $68,000.
Katrina Doherty, who spoke on behalf of PAC, lauded the diligence of PAC member Roz Gilbert who, said Doherty, filled out every grant application possible to solicit funds for the playground.
"Without [Gilbert] we'd still be saying 'Man, what a great idea'," said Doherty.
Mei McCreedy cut the ribbon on behalf of the biggest donor, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, which handed $35,000 to the cause. MacDonald's Jens and Mary Rolinksi were thanked for a $10,000 contribution, and Val Platz and Gilbert were thanked for a $10,000 contribution from PAC.
The District of Squamish also donated $10,000, but Mayor Ian Sutherland was unable to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The students and staff thanked Grace Halvorson from the Squamish Foundation for a $3,000 contribution. School District chair Doug Hackett was also at the ceremony.
The structure went up a month ago and replaces a new wooden playground, which succumbed to fire while still in pieces at the end of the 2004/2005 school year at the School District office.
The ribbon cutting ceremony ended with school staff, donors and parents watching grade 1 and 7 students enjoying the results of months of lobbying.spaillard@squamishchief.com
