Play Structure for RPPS

Overview:

Rockcliffe Park Public School (RPPS) is located in an older suburb of Ottawa, Ontario, but also draws students from the downtown neighbourhoods of Lowertown, Sandy Hill, and New Edinburgh. Enrolment this year is 494 students from JK through grade 6, studying both Early French Immersion and regular English programs. The school enjoys a high level of enthusiasm and dedication from staff, students, and parents. Last year, the only play structure suitable for grades 1-6 was removed due to safety concerns, and neither the Board nor the school can afford to replace it. Children are understandably unhappy with the turn of events, since options for safe and happy play are considerably reduced. The impact is potentially beyond children’s contentment, though – without stimulating physical exercise, fitness, motor skill development, and acquisition of basic cooperation skills may all suffer. A parent and staff committee has been formed to raise funds and obtain a new structure; with luck, we will have one in place by late Spring 2011. We are not lacking in organizational skills, tenacity, or enthusiasm, but we do need a considerable amount of funding to meet our goals of a safe and fun play area that maximizes activity and creates minimal environmental impact. With this in mind we are aiming to create a structure which uses sustainable materials and is free from contaminants. In addition, we will make a serious effort to erect a structure which is accessible to students with disabilities, so that our project will result in a truly inclusive recreation area. Finally, we will endeavor to link it with other greening efforts currently underway, including regular "litter pick-ups" by the students and the establishment of the “Spirit Garden”, a project which involves growing vegetables using sustainable and natural methods. Produce from that garden is often distributed to the local food bank. We estimate funding requirements at approximately 30K to address the most basic of goals, and appeal to the Aviva Community Fund voters to support us in raising 25K of that amount. Should we be lucky enough to have our fundraising efforts exceed the 30K mark, every penny will go toward an enhanced and inclusive recreational installation. We are delighted to have been chosen as semi-finalists for the Aviva Community fund, and sincerely hope that our campaign continues the success enjoyed in the first round. Thanks for your consideration in supporting this worthwhile cause.