Thanks to the packed house that attended a playground fundraiser March 15 at the Rimbey Community Centre, youngsters could be playing on a new structure this fall, provided the provincial government gives its nod to a matching grant.
About $9,000 was raised from Cirque De Rimbey, a fundraiser showcasing local talent, as well as the Acronaires, a performance-based acrobatics team from Canadian University College in Lacombe.
These funds were enough to bump fundraising dollars to the required $65,000 needed to apply for a matching Community Facility Enhancement Grant.
“Now we are anxiously waiting to see if it (the grant) is going to be accepted,” said Jodi Bramfield, principal of Rimbey Elementary School.
She said the proposed new playground is to include climbers and slides and a wood carpet, which will allow wheelchair access. The slides now being used will remain.
The playground, which is designed for nine-year-olds and up, will be environmentally safe and safely accommodate numerous children at one time, she said.
“The present playground is aging and is too small,” she said.
Fundraising efforts for the playground began seven years ago. Three years ago comedy nights and Cirque De Rimbey entertainment nights were held as a major push to raise the needed dollars to apply for a matching grant.
Bramfield said the community support has been tremendous.
“It’s amazing. I’m incredibly pleased and grateful for all the support we’ve been given. Without this support, it wouldn’t happen.”
Bramfield said Rolanda Eadie, who teaches drama and Grade 5 did a wonderful job of organizing Circque De Rimbey.
“She had the idea to showcase Rimbey’s talent and she ran the show. It went incredibly well. There were easily 500 people there this year.”