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New play equipment with features as diverse as the community it serves has been opened in a festive
ceremony involving community leaders and the students of Holly elementary.
A total of $109,094 was raised to design and construct the facility that reflects the needs and wishes of
the Guildford-area neighbourhood families, including children and caregivers with mobility-related
impairments.
“This new play area is a great example of what community spirit can accomplish,” says Surrey Board of
Education chair Laurae McNally. “I congratulate Holly elementary principal Mary Gibbons and the
school community that had the vision to pursue this special and important play facility for not just their
school, but the whole neighbourhood, and thank-you to all who contributed.”
More than 200 neighbourhood children and parents/caregivers with physical mobility challenges will
benefit from the new, accessible play facility. Consultations with neighbourhood residents, city staff,
child development experts and community organizations informed the design of the equipment that
includes special play-area surfaces and equipment design to maximize accessibility.
Almost half of the funding for the specialized equipment, $49,976, was provided by the Let’s Play
initiative, a partnership of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of British Columbia.
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality," says Rick Hansen Foundation
president and CEO Rick Hansen. "The play space at Holly elementary school is a terrific example of a
committed group of people coming together to make our communities more accessible and inclusive for
all. I am excited to see the creation of this play space and others like it across British Columbia that will
benefit children and caregivers in our communities for many years to come.”
Another $20,000 was provided for the project through a provincial government gaming grant.
“From the input of our residents to the contributions of local donors, this project is great demonstration of
the strength of our community,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “The new playground is a
great addition to the area, providing an opportunity for families with mobility limitations to better interact
and play.”
Other cash or in-kind donors include; Surrey school district, City of Surrey (Parks & Recreation),
Guildford Town Centre, Holly Community-School Society, Royal Bank of Canada, RecTec Industries,
Super Save Group and the Rotary Club of Surrey/Guildford.
“This new playground equipment has generated a whole new level of play,” says Holly principal Mary
Gibbons. “As one student said, ‘it is like Disneyland; we love it’.”
Last Updated: March 8, 2010
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