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County approves funding for playground at school

Three children left a Red Deer County meeting with huge grins on Tuesday after helping their school acquire nearly $16,000 for a new playground. Annika Angelstad van Elmpt, Emma Belich and Erica Robertson — Grade 2 students at Poplar Ridge School — made a solid case on why their school of 160 students needed dollars from the municipality.

Three children left a Red Deer County meeting with huge grins on Tuesday after helping their school acquire nearly $16,000 for a new playground.

Annika Angelstad van Elmpt, Emma Belich and Erica Robertson — Grade 2 students at Poplar Ridge School — made a solid case on why their school of 160 students needed dollars from the municipality.

“The results would be very happy children,” they said in their visual presentation.

“It looks fun and safe,” said one of the girls, regarding the planned playground structure. “I can’t wait to play on it!”

County council agreed it was a great investment for the K-6 school and for the entire community in Poplar Ridge, which is located between Hwy 11A and Hwy 11 west of Red Deer. The money will come out of municipal reserves.

“This is our community and that’s what these municipal reserves are for,” said Coun. George Gehrke.

The children pointed out a plaque in honour of the county’s contribution would be placed at the playground. The total project will cost just over $37,000.

B.J. Moore, school council chair, said the remaining dollars are coming from school fundraising and a provincial grant.

She anticipates the playground structure put in place in August.

The existing playground is wooden and was probably erected more than 20 years ago.

“The new one is going to be well used,” Moore said. “We’re a rural community so this is the only playground.”

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com