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Photo courtesy Harry Balfour School Facebook
Education

County donates $50k towards new playground at Harry Balfour School

Jan 30, 2024 | 1:53 PM

The County of Grande Prairie has generously contributed $50,000 towards the construction of a playground at the replacement Harry Balfour School.

The total project cost for Phase 2 is $175,000 for the new playground, and it will include an outdoor classroom and several smaller play structures.

Thanks to corporate sponsorship, donations, government grants, the school’s Participarent group, and funds raised at the school’s Christmas concert; Harry Balfour School reached their $345,000 fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the project before the Christmas break in 2023.

Now with help from the County of GP, the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, and continued effort from the Participarent group, the school has almost reached their Phase 2 fundraising goal.

The County awarded the funds in 2023 to the Harry Balfour School Participarent Association.

The PWPSD will also match the County’s donation of $50,000 in support of Phase 2 of the playground.

To get the remaining amount of funds needed for the playground, there are few upcoming fundraising events:

  • Alumni and Memorial Tree Fundraiser
  • Five Mile Hall Agriculture Society Parents Night Out
  • Alumni Farewell at Harry Balfour School

The Harry Balfour Replacement School is set to open for the 2024-25 academic year, and it’s anticipated the playground will be ready to use on the first day of school.

You can find updates on the school and the upcoming events, by clicking here.