CAMPBELL RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Celebrating the Grand Opening of the New Pinecrest School Playground

We were thrilled to celebrate the official grand opening of Pinecrest Elementary School's new playground on Friday, January 26. This momentous event marked the culmination of 12 years of dedicated fundraising and community effort.

Through fundraising by the Pinecrest Parent Advisory Council (PAC), community support, and $198,000 in funding from the Ministry of Education and Child Care's Playground Equipment Program (PEP), the school has seen the successful construction of a playground that promises to be a cornerstone of student activity and joy.

Current Pinecrest students and staff played a pivotal role in the playground's design, ensuring it meets the needs and imaginations of those who will use it most. Ashley Ferris at SwingTime Parks and Playgrounds deserves special recognition for turning these ideas into reality.

"The new playground is not just a place for play; it's a testament to our community's commitment to our children's well-being and happiness," said Tina Gordon, principal of Pinecrest Elementary School. "Seeing the joy in our students' faces as they explore this new space makes all the effort worthwhile."

"This playground is a great example of how our government is working with school districts to provide critical play spaces like this one at Pinecrest," said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. "New and engaging playgrounds are a mark of a young and thriving community, and I'm looking forward to taking my own grandchildren here in the future!"

Kat Eddy, chair of the Campbell River Board of Education, added, "This playground symbolizes the power of community collaboration and provincial support. It's a place where not only today's children, but also future generations, will make memories."

Heartfelt gratitude to Berry and Vale Contracting, Island Ready Mix, CnL Supply Rentals, Northwin Environmental, Southside Welding, the Campbell River Storm Hockey Team, ClayNor Landscaping, and SD72 Maintenance staff. Their expertise and hard work were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

Also special thanks to the more than 70 volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to prepare and build the playground. 

School districts apply for PEP funding from the ministry each year and playgrounds are funded based on the greatest need with priority given to schools where there is no playground at all or where the existing playground is deteriorating based on age.