The shovels are in the ground for Leroy’s new playground. The major project is a result of this spring’s announcement that Leroy School and the community had been awarded $150,000 for the project from Federated Co-op Limited’s Community Spaces funding. The school and the community celebrated the hard work of Alicia Richels, who applied for the award, and the school and community at large for their ongoing volunteer efforts.

Now the project is underway in earnest. Northland Recreation from Muenster has been contracted to supply the equipment and support the installation with the help of Leroy’s traditional battalion of volunteers. Excavation for the site has already taken place.

Jerome Pratchler with Northland Recreation explains, “We’ve already poured the concrete for the accessible portion of the playground, and we’re just starting on the main playground today. By the end of next week, we’ll be done with everything.”

The playground was designed to be accessible for those of all abilities, and given that the playground will serve the community as well as the school, it is a welcome feature. Pratchler describes it as “one of a kind” in terms of its accessible function.

“The cement pad that’s in place is designed for a carriage swing, a type of gliding swing, that’s meant for elderly people or those with mobility issues, and it allows them to go back and forth and to visit and interact. There’s also room for two accessible sand diggers like little backhoes that children with or without challenges can use.”

The zone also includes ramps so that children can access the entire sand area for creative play.  Other key features include a spring-based bus, a set of large saucer swings, a colourful and enticing apparatus for climbing. The installation of weeping tile and landscaping will complete the package. 

Pratchler estimates the main components will be standing by the evening of Thursday, Sept. 19 and the remainder of the elements will be installed and ready to go the following week.