Fresh air and physical activity
Rotary Club of Middleton helps fund Bridgetown school playground addition
People are never too old for a playground.
Members of the Rotary Club of Middleton proved that when they tried out the one at Bridgetown Regional Community School (BRCS) where the club donated the two newest pieces of equipment.
“This project has been in the works for at least a year,” Rotary president Michael Fairn said Dec. 14 just before he handed over a cheque for $20,000 to BRCS Home and School's Murielle Toole.
The idea of Rotary helping out came from the home and school's Janice Friend, who bumped into Rotary's Jim Balcom one day and they tossed around the notion. Balcom went back to the club's membership and through an ongoing fundraising program, the money was raised.
The donation helped purchase an enclosed swing for children with mobility issues, and a fun-looking piece of gear kids can sit or stand on while it's spun around by somebody stationed on the ground. The latter addition was installed in the middle of a shredded wood area that protects children if they fall off.
PLAYGROUND'S IMPORTANCE
Toole said the playground is especially important after the isolation and social distancing of COVID-19.
“I think it's a way to bring all the students together,” she said, noting that when COVID first arrived in the region “everyone was set apart.”
During those early days of the pandemic, students in one classroom couldn't play with students in another classroom.
She said the two new pieces of equipment make the playground more inclusive, and overall playgrounds promote fresh air, physical activity, getting away from screens, and enhancing socialization skills.
“The kids are so excited. I hear the kids line up and wait to take part on both items. The swing was huge,” Toole said. “Even kids that don't need it loved it, right? So, it's been good. It's been wonderful.”
GREAT FACILITY
The playground is located just south of the Primary to Grade 12 school that now includes a pre-primary program.
“It certainly appears to be a great facility and it appears to be well used and has a great view overlooking the river,” said Fairn, “and hopefully many will be able to take advantage of it.”
Fairn said the funds were raised through the weekly Rotary Gold Mine 50/50 draw that raises about $160,000 annually, half of which goes to the draw winners and the other half to local charitable causes.
He said the Rotary Club of Middleton’s catchment area extends from Annapolis Royal to Aylesford, and because the Gold Mine 50/50 is supported by people from those areas, the club gives back to the specific communities in proportion to the support.
The club provides bursaries to local high school graduates pursuing post-second education and entrance scholarships to students at the Nova Scotia Community College campuses in Lawrencetown and Middleton.
“We also provide support to local food banks, and community halls that may need work done to them,” Fairn said. “There's quite a breadth to the community projects we support.”
HOME AND SCHOOL
The donation meant a lot to the home and school association, Toole said.
“This could not have happened without the Rotary,” she said. “Equipment is so expensive. I am still blown away by the cost.”
She said everything needs to follow the school guidelines and policies around safety.
She was thankful for not just Rotary's donation to pay for the equipment, but the support from two local companies – Spicers and Meisners – that helped prep the site.