Parents at North Otter Elementary are closing in on their fundraising goal of $50,000 to build a new, accessible and inclusive playground.
Members of the school's parent's advisory council (PAC) started fundraising just after spring break, and have already reached about $36,000.
"We just need that final push," said PAC secretary Fatima Ali.
The school has a number of students who use wheelchairs, and the planned new playground will allow students with disabilities to participate and use some of the playground equipment.
Vice principal Elise Davenport said the new playground will also give more places for more kids to play. North Otter is a kindergarten to Grade 7 school, and right now there's not a lot of equipment that's gear for Grade 5 to 7 students, she said.
"We are very excited, a little bit surprised that we made it so quickly, but we have a very supportive community," Davenport said of the progress the PAC has made already.
The PAC has been reaching out to the community around the school for donations.
"We've been reaching out to businesses a ton, and we've had some very generous parents," said Ali.
"In the last little bit, people are coming out of the woodwork," added PAC vice-president Hayli Dunn.
Now the PAC is hoping that the next couple of weeks before the end of the school year can put them over the top, including a fundraiser as part of a year-end festival for the school and community.
"We're calling it the Big Bash," Ali said.
The event, on Friday, June 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the school, 5370 248 St., will include food trucks and concessions with hotdogs, pizza, and mini-doughnuts, mini-golf, inflatable games, airbrush tattoos, music, a foam zone, and an area for small children.
The PAC is collecting donations through a Canada Helps page, under the title North Otter Playground Fundraising Campaign.
