A group of community members in Kisbey are working together to raise funds in order to purchase new play structures.
In the spring of 2011 severe flooding covered the area, while that autumn saw strong winds. During these winds a tall tree, possibly weakened from the flooding, fell onto much of the playground equipment, completely mangling the structures.
Since, children are the future having adequate play structures is important. In order for children to live healthy lifestyles and to encourage children to develop social skills through playing together the community is interested in replacing the destroyed equipment.
When the playground, which was struck by disaster, was first built in the southeast area of Kisbey along Main Street. This had been the perfect spot for the playground at the time, but following an oil boom this street sees heavy traffic. Therefore, the tree falling onto the equipment has also forced the community to look into a safer area for the playground to be placed.
With the Rec. Centre located in a quieter more centralized part of town, the group has decided to place the new equipment, once fundraising is complete, to the east of the building.
"We hope in the future it will be fenced, but our focus is on the play structures right now," Nora Weightman said. "It's an ongoing project that we hope to complete in a year or two."
The committee has already begun raising funds through placing "penny jars" at local businesses as well as through canvassing other businesses for their support.
On April 28, the Kisbey Recreation Centre Auxiliary held a ham and turkey supper with funds to be donated towards the playground equipment. With over 200 people in attendance they were able to raise $1,900 through meal donations, while $1,271 was raised through a jar at the door.
As has been found, the equipment costs quite a lot because of the necessary certifications needed for play structures today.
"Judy Graham, village administrator, has been a huge support with locating grants that may be available, etc; Debbie Wallace has done a great deal of 'leg work' as well as rolling the coins; Amber Curtis is the paper girl filling out applications and talking to the playground equipment salespeople," Weightman explained.
The community initiative currently applied for a number of grants including one from the Red Cross, which they received through the support of local organizations such as the Rebekahs and the Legion, while also being given support from Pheasant Rump First Nation in the grant application process.
The community is hopeful they will be able to successfully raise the needed funds and present a fun, safe play area for youth to enjoy.
"We're hoping to have some kind of event on July 1 to celebrate and to give an idea of how we're progressing," Weightman explained, though they are not completely sure what they will be doing that day they do know it will be a celebration of Canada Day and an update of where the playground committee stands.
