We're Springing into Action!

While the King George Public School playscape lay buried, out of sight under the snow, it remained top of mind for Greening and Grounds Committee volunteers. We worked throughout the winter to identify our goals for this spring and summer, plan how to make them happen and communicate our intentions to the Upper Grand District School Board. 

The plans and discussions have been consistent regardless of season or weather!

Thanks to the many contributions of generous donors (for more info on our corporate donors click here), we've been able to plan some exciting new developments for phase two of our playscape revitalization. Soon, we will spring into action and install some much-anticipated features for all to enjoy. 

For pictures of what the school field and yard looked like only one year ago click here! There are more before n' after pictures, click here! Already, such big changes have happened!

Here are some items on our list of goals for this spring and summer:

• Plant thirty-four shade trees

• Install some climbing structures

• Install a colourful spiral forest of play poles

• Create a natural grass maze

Shade Trees

Our visioning exercise in 2013 determined a need for some shade on the playscape (to read more about the visioning process click here). Podium Developments has generously contributed thirty tall shade trees. Soon, this assortment of native trees will provide students with a variety of interesting features to study. In time, these trees, which now stand approximately 18 feet high, will tower anywhere from 40 to 80 feet high, providing shade and adding an attractive sense of place to the school.

Volunteers will come together on Saturday, May 31st to plant these trees, giving them the opportunity to get established before the hot summer weather begins. Everyone is welcome to help, and childcare will be provided.

Many kids wanted trees. Won't they be surprised when they get back from the weekend to find all of these trees planted! 

It's time to take care of our trees that were planted hastily and plant many more!

Climbing Structures

Early in our vision process, our students made it clear that they wanted to climb. Recently, volunteers researched play equipment, sourced affordable options and provided a selection of choices to members of the Greening and Grounds Committee, who voted to create a shortlist. We are now getting specific quotes from suppliers with the intent to install the equipment this summer.

Spiral Forest

A large activity pad in the back corner of the St. Catherine Street side of the playground will soon feature a ‘forest’ of bright play poles. These tall and colourful 3-inch diameter poles will create a fun focal point and inspire active play. Just as importantly, we hope the play poles will help protect our trees. Children are attracted to trees and tend to play around their trunks. Over time, the steps of many little feet causes the ground to become so packed and smooth that rainwater drains away rather than seeping into the root systems. We hope that, by providing a more attractive location for such games, the play poles will distract the children from the trees and, in the process, give the trees their best opportunity to thrive. 

What a little girl answered when asked what she wanted included in her school yard! Lucky for Eve, some of her wishes will be granted by the end of this summer... or sooner!!!

Grass Maze

A creative planting of tall native grasses will create an exciting environment for games and exploration. Volunteers will be designing and planting this new feature soon to give it time to establish itself over the summer. We are excited to begin adding some colourful and interesting elements that will create a fun and stimulating environment for the kids. 

Get Involved!

This playscape transformation is an exciting opportunity for the kids – and one we can all enjoy. Whether you want to get your hands dirty and help install the new features, stay clean and work behind the scenes, or keep up-to-date and share the excitement with your kids, it’s easy to get involved.

Parent volunteers at a work party last summer; hey, they're all smiling!

Just send a message to greencmte@hotmail.com and we’ll add you to the information list. You’ll be among the first to know what’s happening next and how you can get involved. If you prefer to get your information face-to-face, our volunteers will be on hand to explain what’s been done, what will be done and how you can get in on the fun!