After getting the good news that their new Francophone school would open this year in Golden, local parents learned the not-so-good news that school playground equipment is a responsibility that normally falls to a school’s APÉ, or parents’ association (the equivalent of Parents Advisory Committee, or PAC, in English-language schools).

The problem was that an APÉ couldn’t be started for the new school until it opened in September!

When a grant opportunity came up with Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), parent Jessica Chagnon didn’t let the lack of a parents’ association stand in her way. She swung into action, and within three weeks, she started a non-profit organization in order to be eligible for a grant, then submitted a grant proposal.

Once the request for funding was approved in March, Jessica and other parents had plenty more work to do to get a playground ready for the start of the school year.

Students of the new school also got involved in the effort, right from the start.   Many of them stayed up past their bedtimes to support the presentation to CBT to obtain the grant. They made mock playgrounds with Landscape Architect, Shasta McCoy, who donated her time to the project. Many also came with their parents to shovel dirt, spread wood chips and roll out sod to assist Ainé Falter of Kickin’ It Landscapes, who also donated many hours to the project. Participation throughout the entire process has fostered a sense of stewardship and pride in the kids.

Thanks to the passion, ingenuity and hard work of parents, the generous funding of CBT, and countless hours of volunteer time, the playground was finished in September -- so that students at the new school could enjoy the physical, social and educational benefits from the playground and outdoor learning space!