FALL RIVER: Parent volunteers like Dale Fisher can now take a breath after a busy few years of dedication to see a dream of a second new playground at Ash Lee Jefferson School become reality.
That dedicated work over the past three-and-a-half years from Fisher and his fellow committee groups came to a conclusion on June 20 as a ribbon cutting was held under bright sunny skies at the school. The other playground for Grades Primary to Two was replaced seven years ago.
Students Maria Ralph and Lauren Peverill were chosen to cut the ribbon for their thoughtfulness of donating their birthday money towards the most recent project last year. Councillor Barry Dalrymple and MLA Bill Horne, who both supported the project, were also on-hand.
“The playground now being means the students can now have more fun out here during recess and lunch times,” said Principal Amy MacLeod, who came to the school just as the first playground was officially opened. “They can now play games. It ensures that more of our students are physically active. That was the whole idea behind this playground.”
She said it took awhile to raise the cash needed—$80,000—to do the second playground.
“It takes a lot of work,” said MacLeod. “Time can go fast, as I know, but if you have a great group of people that stay the course, a dream can become reality as it did here.
“We’re very fortunate to have had Dale spearheading the project with other parents behind the scenes helping. He’s been committed right from the get-go.”
MacLeod said the playground—designed for Grade 3–6 students—is also accessible for some of the students at ALJ who may have mobility/cognitive issues.
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.
And with summer here, she expects it will get lots of use.
“The whole community will get to enjoy it now, not just our students,” said MacLeod “This is an awesome day for us in so many ways.”
