A new playground will be complete for around 500 Parksville students by the end of next month, at Springwood Elementary. (Submitted image)

By Alex Rawnsley

final days

Parksville students awaiting new playground construction after years of fundraising

Sep 20, 2025 | 5:57 AM

PARKSVILLE — The site is prepped and equipment is expected to arrive shortly for a new playground at a local elementary school

Springwood Elementary, on Despard Ave. near Hwy. 4A, will see installation of a new, modern playground facility over the coming weeks, with the first excited kids poised to test it out before the end of October.

The effort to get the playground was spearheaded by the school’s Parent Advisory Council, with chair Jessica Threllfall saying the end result is a game changer for kids.

“We’ll have a ninja wall, a spinner that is wheelchair accessible. Half of it will be rubberized, the other half will be soft fall…monkey bars, slides.”

Presently, the school of over 500 students from kindergarten through grade seven has only one playground, which is split on alternating days between younger and older students.

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“On the days that the kids do not have access to the playground, we have a few basketball hoops, and we have the field for them to play on,” Threllfall told NanaimoNewsNOW. “This just gives them more opportunities, keeps them out of making mischief.”

The project is being finances through a series of grants and fundraising efforts, including $200,000 from the provincial government’s Playground Equipment Program.

Rotary Club of Parksville, Tire Stewardship of B.C. and PAC’s own fundraisers all contributed five figures each.

One key aspect of the process, according to Threllfall, was figuring out what went into the final product.

“We actually had the playground company give us three mock ups and we went to the students, and we actually had them change out a few pieces that were more important that the kids felt like they wanted to see, so they felt more invested in the playground.”

Consultation between the School District and City of Parksville were also vital, as a gas line had to be re-routed to facilitate the site prep.

Springwood principal Jesse Witte said kids have waited a long time for a new playground.

“Our students have been so patient while waiting, and now they will be absolutely thrilled to finally have this extra play space. This playground is a true example of what we can achieve when we all come together.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the end of October.

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