“Middle School kids are still kids” and need to stay active and busy, says the chair of Eastview Middle School’s parent council.
A large outdoor activity centre that’s been three years in the making is, therefore, ready to be installed behind the school.
Volunteers are needed to help assemble the $200,000 play structure, which will include a climbing wall, a rope “beehive” apparatus, frisbee golf, tetherball and workout equipment.
The project came about after some Eastview Middle School students told the school’s parents’ council there wasn’t enough to do on school grounds.
Only volleyball and basketball courts were available at Eastview Middle School, even though some other Grade 6 to 8 schools in Red Deer have playgrounds or activity centres, said parent council chair Tamara Pollock.
She feels the new outdoor equipment will help keep the 11-to-14-year-olds fit, as it was designed with input from phys-ed instructors and students. It should also help keep them occupied, reducing incidents of bullying and wandering off school grounds.
“It should make supervision easier,” added Pollock.
Since the centre is also for children and youths from the neighbourhood, she hopes members of the wider Eastview community will help during the June 17 to 20 installation. The work will be supervised by an expert from B.D.I. Play Design, so experience is not a requirement.
Those who don’t feel they can help with labour could offer to drop off snacks. Pollock said drinks or granola bars will be appreciated.
She heard some former Eastview students are coming back to lend a hand. Although the teens who initially asked for the activity centre are now in high school, she hopes they will still take pride in what their request has achieved.
Pollock believes this new centre will be one of the biggest in Red Deer.
It was funded through a provincial grant, support from non-profits, including Kinsmen, 100 Women, Eastview Community Association, Red Deer Primary Care Network, as well as student and parent fundraisers. The City of Red Deer is preparing the site.
To volunteer, call 403-343-2455.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com