A new playground is coming to Arthur Public School thanks to the efforts of a parent group's fundraising efforts.

The previous equipment at the school was removed after being deemed unsafe, and local parent Crystal VanGerven has fundraised to bring in the fresh equipment. To date, she has raised $145,000 to go along with a $90,000 contribution from a local auto dealer and is ready to put in a playground before the end of 2023 for the junior/intermediate area. VanGerven says she will work on primary goals after that.

Coun. Steve McCabe was not alone in the fact that he was very supportive of the effort.

"Congratulations on your fundraising, it takes a lot of dedication to get that funding from the community, so, job well done," McCabe complimented.

VanGerven says freed-up funds allowed students to have a great year.

"We were able to provide $12 a day to each student in our school to assist with field trip costs, for the busing. We sent students from grades 1-8 to the Arthur Arena to go skating, along with offering support for helmets and skates if they needed it," VanGerven said.

"We were also able to fund a hot dog day, teacher requests for supplies," she noted.

VanGerven explains when she puts up the playground, she will receive tax money back and be able to maintain the structure with that money.

The recent appearance at council by VanGerven was a stark contrast to a May 23 delegation that saw School Board Trustee Robin Ross make the case against the playground. Ross felt playgrounds are “detrimental economically” and suggested the money would be better served going to other areas like getting kids involved in the community.

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