By Spencer Sterritt

New $100,000 playground opens for Ecole North Oyster and Cedar community

Apr 23, 2019 | 5:06 PM

NANAIMO — A $100,000 playground is now open for the nearly 350 students at Ecole North Oyster in Cedar. 

The quick construction means students will be able to finish their school year enjoy activities other than romping around on a flat field or playing in the forest surrounding the school. 

Parent Chrissie Stephen, who was involved with the online fundraising contest for the new equipment, said the students’ eyes lit up when they arrived at school saw the playground was ready to be climbed on. 

In only a few days, many already have their favourite piece of equipment. 

“The spinner was the highlight for sure,” Stephen said. “The principal said he was worried they were going to wear it out the first day. There were so many kids on it you couldn’t see the equipment itself.”

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The play equipment stands in stark contrast to the flat field which was all students had to enjoy on their breaks. 

“My kids would come home talking about how kids are fighting over sticks and rocks,” Stephen said. “This allows for the kids to have such a wider variety of play and it’s more social.”

Play activities like the spinner also allow everyone to enjoy their recess, since it’s designed for students with mobility challenges. 

By being the only playground within a seven kilometre radius, the Ecole North Oyster playground is hoped to become a community play hub for the Cedar area. 

Though most of the equipment is installed, a mound with a built-in slide is still blocked off to wait for grass to grow on the mound. It’s expected to open in the fall. 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit