Haultain Memorial School Playground Project

The Cause

Haultain Memorial School (HMS) is a K-6 public school in the community of Queensland, located in the southeast quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. HMS is in desperate need of a new playground as the current structure is almost 24 years old, and despite diligent upkeep and frequent repairs, it is well past its intended life span. The HMS playground was constructed in 2000 and is made up entirely with wood. This is one of the last wooden playgrounds within the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and City of Calgary. The CBE has banned the use of wood playgrounds since the early 2000s as they pose many hazards, as well as increased maintenance requirements and limited lifespan.

Haultain Memorial School Parents Association (HMSPA) initiated the HMS Playground Project in the Fall 2019. Our group started work quickly by gathering information, evidence of the importance of outdoor play and inclusive spaces. We had significant success engaging and fundraising in our community. However, our momentum stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited our fundraising opportunities. We are now in a position to FINALLY complete this long awaited project in May 2024.

The staff at HMS are using the current outdoor space as often as possible to participate in wellness breaks, hold class lessons outside on top of daily outdoor recess. However, with the lack of seating options, no protection from the elements, inadequate garbage receptacles and lack of accessibility for all users, it is not being utilized to its full potential. This is also a community wide problem, as even though it is located beside our community center, which is home to Bright Futures Preschool, multiple sport teams, Girl Guides and Scout Troop 172, it is unable to withstand and house the level of use that is needed.

HMSPA envision an inclusive playground, accessible and enjoyed by all community members. We envision parents & caregivers lingering at the picnic tables while supervising their children, making deeper friend and familial connections. All children being able to play on the structure, regardless of additional needs. Our retired pickleball athletes chatting under trees after their match at the court a few steps away. Our preschool and Day Home users being able to use the playground with more accessible features to explore.

This would all be possible with the support from the Field Law Community Funds Project.

Who Will it Benefit?

The HMS Playground Project will directly benefit the 210 students and 23 staff who use this facility daily. However, it will it's impact will include the entire communities of Queensland, Diamond Cove, Deer Ridge & Deer Run.

The latest City of Calgary Census data (circa 2019) puts Queensland and Diamond Cove's population at 5,433 with 872 (16%) of these residents being children ages of 0-14 years. There are an additional 1595 children in the neighboring communities of Deer Ridge and Deer Run, which boast a total population of 9038 in 2019. We have only seen our communities grow in the past four years, as many previous homeowners are downsizing, which is bringing even more young families to settle into these establish family friendly communities. We are certain that there are more children and families that would access the HMS Playground then are accounted for in the 2019 civic census.

An inclusive playground will also directly benefit several day cares, day homes and preschools in the immediate area. As well as the After School Program ran by the City of Calgary, the local Scouts Troop 172 and Girl Guides group, which utilize the playground and surrounding area in their programming. The multiple sports teams, including the lacrosse, basketball, hockey and soccer teams which use the grounds for practice and games. Having a new playground on site will help draw families to our Community Centre, HMS and neighborhood, ensuring its long-term sustainability and welcoming community atmosphere.