It’s been a long road to get here, but the first two phases of the new Humboldt Public School (HPS) playground have been completed with over 20 volunteers coming out to set things up on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 and 2 after two false starts.
“I’m stoked. I’ve been so excited,” said Patti Durand, chair of the HPS school community council.
The first two attempts to install the playground were rained out, so Durand was happy to finally get going on the project.
“Nobody was more frustrated than us,” Durand said. “After all the fundraising being done, having to hold off was a bit challenging, but I’m so glad we did. This is really meant to be. We’ve had great volunteers come out.”
The playground has been in the works since the HPS expansions were announced about five years ago, but the fundraising has only been intensive in the last few years. Durand says they’re over the $60,000 mark, but they’re not at the end of the road yet. The playground committee has some small school fundraisers in the works, but the group is now focusing on applying for grants to get the remainder of the playground installed.
“It’s a weird time to put it in, the day school starts, but we couldn’t wait any longer,” said Dave Hill, HPS principal. “The kids need this ... the area is great, and the kids come out here and there’s nothing to do.”
Right now, the old equipment already in place is considered best for kindergarten-Grade 2. The new play structure is geared to grades 3 and 4, while the gazebo with sitting area is geared toward grades 7 and 8.
“We’re trying to have sections designated for different age groups,” Durand said.
Still to come are an outdoor science classroom, a grades 5-6 play structure, and a digital sign.
“The kids are excited,” Hill said. “The biggest question is when. ‘When can we get on, when can we get on?’ They just can’t wait.”
Through the whole process, Durand said she appreciated the community support.
“The community support has been exceptional,” she said. “We just are super appreciative and hope that the whole community can enjoy this.”
Though the first few phases have been complete, Durand does not yet have a projected end date for the project.
“In a perfect world, I would love to see some final touches put on next summer. Because the need is right now and we’re already behind in the process as far as we’re concerned,” she said. “That being said, as the school community council evolves and the needs of the school evolve, there might be other priorities that rise to the top, and our is to adjust. We’ll put our work where it’s best fit.”
