Bracebridge moms ban together to save playground from being shutdown

Children at the playground outside of Bracebridge Public School, in Bracebridge Ont. (Bracebridge Public School Playground Committee)

A group of Bracebridge moms say they plan to raise $300,000 to renovate a local school playground but need the community’s help.

Three moms and the principal of Bracebridge Public School are joining forces. They say the playground at the school is in a state of “serious disrepair” and a portion of it is already shut down.

The group says the money needed for renovations is more than school fundraising efforts can achieve.

“Last fall, elements of the playground were removed as they did not pass the safety inspection,” said Emily Crowe, co-chair of the Bracebridge Public School Playground Committee.

“We have been advised that it is not a matter of if the playground will be removed, it is truly a matter of when,” Crowe said in a statement shared by the committee.

The playground is a central hub for the more than 400 students at Bracebridge Public School and several more children and families that visit the area after school hours and during summer camp.

“Our hope is that with a new, accessible playground we will be creating a space that fosters physical health, social development and joy for children today and for generations to come,” said Skylar Gostick, fellow co-chair of the committee.

The plan, according to the committee, is to raise $300,000 over the next two years through donations, sponsorships and more to upgrade the playground and make it accessible to children of various physical and developmental abilities.

The organizers say the current playground set is approximately 20 years old and they hope the new set, once installed, can last even longer.

Donations can be dropped off at the front office of Bracebridge Public School. For more information, those interested can send in questions to [e-mail] or visit them on social media.