New playground at Glenbrook

November 20, 2015 · 0 Comments

Thursday November 19th at 2:15 p.m., Glenbrook Elementary School will host an Opening Ceremony for the school’s first playground.
An assembly involving dignitaries, teachers, staff and student body, as well as parents, guardians and community members, will be held in the school gymnasium where contributors will be acknowledged and design elements explained before the official ribbon cutting takes place outside at the rear of the school. There will be a cheque presentation made from the Kinette Club of Shelburne to the Glenbrook School Council for their playground initiatives following the ribbon cutting. Once the playground has been officially opened, all those present will be invited to view the new playground.
Principal Valerie Smith tells the Free Press, “This is the first phase of Glenbrook Elementary School’s playground initiative. An important and incredible feat considering it was accomplished in only two years.”
Smith goes on to say that “funding for the project was derived mainly through the Glenbrook Elementary School Council’s fundraising projects throughout the past two years, as well as grants obtained through the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project ($11,000), UGDSB Greening Schools ($300) and Evergreen Toyota ($1,100), as well as fund-matching from Scotiabank Orangeville (First Street branch) at the school’s annual Dance-a-thons ($5,000 in both 2014 and 2015).”
The playground itself is a “Natural Playground” contracted to Earthscape a playground design and build firm based out of Elmira, Ontario who has constructed the project over the last two weeks. The playscape features a double slide, trike-track, sand play area, stage and areas for free play, seating and musical instruments. The design is accessible, inclusive and will be utilized primarily by students from kindergarten to grade three, although all grades will be able to enjoy the space via the school’s Recess Revival program, Green Team club and as a general outdoor learning area. A natural playground was chosen for installation due to its versatility, accessibility and inclusiveness, as well as for its anti-bullying qualities, classroom extension abilities and its kinetic, scientific and imaginative play aspects. The playground will be off limits to the public during the day; however, the community will have access to the playground outside of school hours.
Smith tell us that Glenbrook Elementary School Council continues to fundraise and plan for future playgrounds.

By Michelle Janzen