Cowichan's first accessible-to-all playground pegged for Bench elementary
Cowichan's first playground for all kids, regardless of physical ability, will likely be installed at Bench Elementary School this summer.
The school's parent advisory council says its raised about 80 per cent of the $100,000 cost for the accessible playground through grants plus community and business support.
"This will be the only playground of its kind in our surrounding areas, with equipment chosen to be inclusive to all children regardless of their ability," PAC chairwoman Tanya Friese said in an email to the News Leader Pictorial.
"The (school) district has committed to beginning our installation by the end of June so it's crunch-time for our fundraising now."
The playground just got a $4,000 boost from the Rotary Club of South Cowichan, and the PAC has a few fundraisers planned for the next few months, but welcome extra community support.
The playground will feature equipment such as a triple-arch swing (which children can ride solo or with a caregiver), an X-wave see-saw (which moves in a gentle, wave-like motion and allows kids to sit, lay or even stand on it), two spinner bowls, which balance the inner ear and benefit children with autism and behavioural issues, plus two spicas, a spinning climbing net, and a traditional playground structure purchased from a Langford daycare and installed as part of the school's playground expansion.
For more information, send a message to the Bench PAC at email@benchelementary.ca.
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