Committee pushing for new playground at N.W. Calgary school short $20K

St. Luke Elementary School has been campaigning to build some new playgrounds but says it's still $20,000 short. (Supplied/Google Maps)

Parkgoers will relish in the summer sun, but it means time is running out for the St. Luke playground committee to raise the remaining $20,000 it needs for a new playground.

Students at the northwest Calgary elementary school have been using the same playgrounds, one since 1999, the other since 2001.

“The recommended lifespan of most playgrounds is approximately 25 years,” said the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), which owns and maintains all playgrounds at district schools.

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About 250 students attend St. Luke School, and the playground also serves area families.

“Playgrounds provide a place for students to explore and develop many skills,” said the CCSD in an emailed statement.

Slated for removal

St. Luke playground committee chair Carly McLuskey explains after failing a safety inspection, the swings were removed about three years ago, but no other changes have been made throughout the years.

“Our schools are made aware of their playground structure replacement schedule several years in advance and they consider fundraising initiatives, applying for various grants and community outreach to help raise funds for a new playground,” said the CCSD.

The playground is slated for removal in July 2025, and the committee has raised $320,000, with an expected total price tag of $445,000.

For those who are interested in helping, the playground society page has the most up-to-date information about fundraising efforts.

The committee is hoping to replace the two playgrounds with one new and improved one before the 2025-2026 school year.