Parents and staff of Bentley school have made it their mission to raise money to upgrade their playground in memory of a staff member who passed away early last year. For educational assistant Joslyn Snow, it was one of her dreams to create something lasting for her community. She envisioned a newly renovated playground which could be enjoyed by young and old students alike as well as all community members. Unfortunately Joslyn died tragically from a brain tumour early last year, but many community members have stepped up to make sure her dream can become a reality.
These members have set out a goal to raise $500,000 to renovate the school playground with new equipment as well as adding what they hope to be a new sport court for the older students to enjoy.
“We really wanted to do something for Joslyn”, says school principal Lane Moore. “This all started as a legacy to her.”
The group met on January 16 to discuss plans of replacing old equipment with new and creating new play areas for the elementary school students. Plans were also mentioned to create a large enclosed sport court for the high school students. This court would include sports such as ball hockey, pickleball, and basketball.
Moore was also hopeful about fixing up the running track so it could be used as grounds for not just students but for everyone.
“We really want this to be a place for all people to enjoy.”
So far the group has raised $78,000, thanks to many fundraising programs that were implemented early last year. These programs included a Christmas concert, and a student and staff hockey game. But there are plans to expand on those ideas to further raise money and Moore is optimist their goal will be met.
“We are still brainstorming our next fundraiser but we are looking at getting a grant writer, and we will be getting a sponsorship package hopefully by the end of the month which will help us out very much.”
Donations have also been coming from private and corporate funds as well as other businesses in Bentley who have been helping out with some of the fundraising events. Moore sees this new playground as not just something that benefits the school but the entire town of Bentley as well.
“This was one of Joslyn’s last wishes, that we did something for the community. We are expanding on it and it’s a chance to dream big for a big community.”