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Photos courtesy Harry Balfour School/PWPSD
Education

Harry Balfour Replacement School over halfway to Phase 2 playground fundraising goal

Feb 8, 2024 | 11:19 AM

A recent donation to the Harry Balfour Replacement School’s Phase 2 playground fund has made it that much closer to its end goal.

The Five Mile Community Agricultural Society has donated $30,000 towards the second phase of the playground, which will include an outdoor classroom and several smaller play structures.

According to Harry Balfour’s Principal, Jen Clevette, the Ag Society will also be donating their time and machinery for the landscaping and playground construction process this spring, and will also be hosting a parent fundraiser event in May.

“The amount of support we’ve received from the community and our families has been amazing. The students and staff are all very excited for our new school and this playground will only add to the excitement.”

The project cost for the new playground phase 2 is $175,000. The first phase reached their fundraising goal near the end of 2023, which was a whopping $345,000.

There is also a third phase to raise funds for, which will be $275,000 for a second base playground structure once the second goal is completed.

The County of Grande Prairie also recently donated a lumpsome of money towards the school’s playground.

The replacement school is on track to open in time for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year, with the playground ready for the first day back to classes as well.