Winnipeg, MB – Kids in the Bairdmore neighbourhood are one small step closer to a big amount of fun.
Representatives from the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, and Pembina Trails School Division joined school staff and the Bairdmore Advisory Council today to turn sod at the site of a new play structure.
“Play is a powerful part of how children learn, connect and build confidence,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. “From school improvements like this, to building new schools and child-care centres, our government is committed to investing in the futures of Manitoba children by providing infrastructure to help them learn, grow and thrive.”
The structure will sit on City land and be owned and maintained by us. Construction will begin this summer. We anticipate it will be ready by year’s end.
“This new play structure will be loved and used by the students of Bairdmore School every day,” said Janice Lukes, Councillor for Waverley West. "Much gratitude is extended to the Bairdmore Parent Advisory Council for initiating the playground renewal project.”
The nearly $295,000 project was made possible by:
· A combined $182,158 from the City of Winnipeg Land Dedication Reserve Fund (Waverley West) and Community Incentive Grant
· $100,000 from the Province of Manitoba From the Ground Up Grant
· More than $12,000 in fundraising by the Bairdmore Advisory Council
· An additional $475 through the Pembina Trails Education Support Fund
“We are deeply thankful for the dedication, commitment, and work of our Playground Committee, Parent Advisory Council, and parent community on this project,” said Allison
Ward, Principal, Bairdmore School. “We look forward to seeing how this new play structure enables our students to explore, connect, learn, and grow together.”
“Bairdmore Advisory Council is excited to see this project come to fruition to provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive structure for the students of Bairdmore School and the surrounding community,” said Emily Sprague, Co-Chair, Bairdmore School Parent Advisory Council and Chair, Playground Committee. “We thank the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba for their long-term guidance and financial support.”