Correspondence Re: Replacement of Playground Equipment at View Royal Elementary
A project proposal and request for funding from the View Royal Elementary PAC to replace unsafe playground equipment.
4th April 2021
View Royal Town Hall ATTN: Mayor David Screech & Councillors Damian Kowalewich, Gery Lemon, Ron Mattson and John Rogers 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
Dear Mayor & Councillors,
As you may be aware, the swing sets and monkey bars at View Royal Elementary were recently removed by School District #61 after they determined they were unsafe. The removal of the swings and monkey bars has left our school with a lack of playground equipment for the children. The swings were greatly loved and now very much missed by all of the students.
The View Royal Elementary PAC has taken on the task of replacing the swings by September 2021. In a recent survey of View Royal students, staff, parents and community members, they indicated that the number one piece of play equipment that they would like to see at our school are swings. The cost to install the inclusive swings is $29,202.60 and we have raised $13,943.94, leaving us with a current shortfall of $15,258.66.
We realize we have now passed the deadline to apply for grants from the Town of View Royal, but we hope you will still consider helping us fund this playground equipment at View Royal Elementary, which will benefit all children of the View Royal municipality. Attached you will find the project proposal, which includes all the details of this project.
Sincerely,
Megan Newhouse View Royal Elementary PAC President
View Royal Elementary Playground Project
Inclusive Swings & Playground
SUMMARY
View Royal Elementary School had their beloved swings and monkey bar play equipment removed by the school district in December 2020 after being deemed unsafe. To replace the play equipment that has been removed, the View Royal Elementary Parent Advisory Council (View Royal PAC) is currently fundraising for new inclusive swings to be installed by September 2021, as phase one of our overall playground planning. The cost to install the swings is $29,202.60 and we have raised $13,943.94, leaving us with a current shortfall of $15,258.66. We are also in the planning stages of designing an inclusive and accessible play structure, as phase two, to be installed by January 2023.
INTRODUCTION
The View Royal Elementary School Parent Advisory Council is a committee made up of all the parents of the children of the View Royal Elementary school. We are a non-profit group made up entirely of volunteers. We strive to support our children’s learning environment by supporting a number of initiatives in the school.
In the past, we have funded technology in the school (smart boards, iPads & ChromeBooks), field trips, school agendas, books, musical instruments and an outdoor classroom/nature playground.
View Royal Elementary School is a public school in School District #61 attended by approximately 310 students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.
PROBLEM STATEMENT & BACKGROUND
In December of 2020, School District 61 removed our swings and monkey bars, which were well loved and now greatly missed by the students, after determining they were no longer safe for our students. The removal of this play equipment has left our school with a lack of playground equipment for the children. This problem is amplified because of COVID-19 restrictions as our outdoor spaces are divided into four zones during recess and half of the students do not have access to any play equipment.
This is the second play structure to be removed by the school district at View Royal Elementary. In the fall of 2015, two wooden play structures were removed. The PAC funded a nature playground and outdoor classroom to replace this play structure, which was completed in 2018.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The PAC’s objective is to provide a safe, fun and engaging playground space for all students at View Royal Elementary School and children of the View Royal municipality and beyond. Outdoor play is important for our young students to improve physical health, foster friendships and expand their capacity to learn.
Inclusive Play for All
Our playground was designed with the abilities of all children in mind.
Physical Benefits Outdoor play improves children’s physical health. By running, jumping, climbing and balancing, cardiovascular health is improved. Other benefits include the development of: gross and fine motor skills, agility and balance skills and hand-eye coordination.
Cognitive & Social Development Benefits While playing outdoors with other children, language, problem-solving and strategic planning skills are all used. Learning through play is important, especially in young children. Children improve and learn social/imaginative play, cooperation and friendship through play.
Sensory & Self-Regulation Benefits Neuro-diverse (including children with autism) and neuro-typical children alike benefit from sensory input that an inclusive playground provides. The inclusive swings in our playground provide vestibular stimulation to help calm children and improve attention, coordination and self-regulation.
A Neighbourhood Playground
The proposed playground at View Royal Elementary is not just for the children who attend the school. After school hours, all children in the neighbourhood and beyond can enjoy the benefits of the new playground. View Royal Elementary also shares its space with onsite before & after school care as well as a preschool. In addition, many organizations use the school grounds and school gym including boy scouts, girl guides and other social and sports groups.
The design of our new school playground was designed with the neighbourhood playgrounds in mind. Our playground provides unique elements that are not present in near-by playgrounds.
DESIGN
We have divided the project into two phases, so we can more quickly provide the children with new play equipment.
Phase 1
Swings for all Abilities Goal to install: September 2021
A school-wide survey conducted in January 2021 indicated that the number one piece of play equipment that students, parents and staff would like to see at our school are swings. Our existing swing set was removed by the school district in December 2020 and was well-loved and very much missed by our entire school community. During recess and before and after school, all the swings were always in use. In fact, there was usually a line-up for the swings!
The design includes a multi-user U-Swing (disc swing) and four traditional swings. The U-Swing offers accessible play value for multiple users where someone with neck and/or core strength issues can fully lay down. Swings provide vestibular stimulation to help calm children and improve attention, coordination and self-regulation.
Phase 2
Inclusive & Accessible Playground Structure The planning and design of this phase is currently underway.
Goal to install: January 2023
BUDGET
Phase 1 - Swings for all Abilities
Costs: Blue Imp’s Cost to supply, ship & install equipment and ground cover: $29,202.60
Total: $29,202.60
Total Money Raised by View Royal Elementary PAC for the Playground Project: PAC Fundraising: $6,682.39 PAC Fundraising (earned, not deposited yet): $1,179.55 PAC Contribution from savings: $5,000 Parent Donations: $1,082.00
Total: $13,943.94
Current Shortfall: $15,258.66
Phase 2 - Inclusive Playground
Proposed Budget: $125,000
The View Royal PAC is currently working with School District #61 for approval of the location of this playground. We are also working with local playground companies to design this phase.
APPENDICES
Appendix #1: Blue Imp Inclusive Swing Quote Appendix #2: View Royal Elementary Playground Survey Results Appendix #3: Current View Royal Elementary PAC Financial Statements Appendix #4: View Royal Elementary PAC 2020-2021 Executive List & Contacts Appendix #5: Letter of support from View Royal Elementary Vice-Principal, Christina Chase
Appendix #1: Blue Imp Inclusive Swing Quote
RE: View Royal Elementary Phase 1 Option 2
Submitted by: Ashley Ferris Swing Time Distributors Ltd. 1485 Norton Court North Vancouver, B.C. V7G 2E5
Submitted on: Monday March 8, 2021
Quotation
| Date | Estimate # |
|---|---|
| 2021-03-08 | 8924 |
Name / Address: SD #61 (Greater Victoria) Accounts Payable Department 556 Boleskine Road Victoria, BC V8Z 1E8
Ship To: Victoria PlayCo North Saanich BC
| Project | Terms | Rep | FOB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Option 2 | Net 30 | AF | Med Hat |
| Qty | Item | Description | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U100L208 | Blue Imp Hybrid Swing | 10,380.00 | 10,380.00 |
| 4 | SRR | Slash-Proof Belt w/ Regular Hangers | 265.00 | 1,060.00 |
| 1 | Shipping | Shipping (to installer) | 1,540.00 | 1,540.00 |
| 1 | Install Equip... | Installation of Equipment, does NOT include security fencing | 2,173.00 | 2,173.00 |
| 1 | Supply and ... | Supply and Deliver 67 Cubic Yards of Engineered Wood Fibre, includes landscape fabric | 7,330.00 | 7,330.00 |
| 1 | Supply/Install. | Supply and Install 144' of 6"x6" pressure treated timbers, pinned every 4' | 3,975.00 | 3,975.00 |
| 1 | Disclaimer | All installation prices are quoted for normal ground conditions and a clear, clean and level site prepared to recommended space requirements. Swing Time reserves the right to renegotiate contracts if abnormal ground conditions are determined during the installation or if additional site preparation is required, unless otherwise agreed upon in the Quotation. | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| GST (5.00%) | 1,322.90 | |||
| PST (7.00%) | 1,421.70 | |||
| Tax | $2,744.60 | |||
| Total | $29,202.60 |
WHY CHOOSE BLUE IMP?
As Canada’s longest-standing playground manufacturer—family-owned and operated since 1917—we design and fabricate a vast array of playground, park furniture and related products at our headquarters in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Our products are infused with family pride and backed by the strongest warranty in the industry.
MADE IN CANADA, BUILT TO LAST We proudly manufacture our playground and park products right here in Canada and having done so for four generations, we understand a thing or two about delivering the kind of quality Canadians expect and the kind of durability our climate demands. What Canada makes, makes Canada!
DESIGNING FOR YOUR NEEDS Blue Imp specializes in bringing your ideas to life and adding a personal touch to each project. Our experienced design team strives to create engaging playgrounds that meet the needs of your particular target group, community or school. Our structures are thoughtfully designed to provide inclusive play experiences for varied ages and abilities and to develop physical literacy skills as well as provide sensory, imaginative and social experiences.
PLAY LONG, PLAY STRONG At Blue Imp, we insist on using superior materials to craft highly durable products that stand up to enthusiastic play and extreme weather. We promote steel components for their longevity and vandal-resistance and we back our products with the best warranty in the industry.
SERIOUS ABOUT QUALITY & SAFETY Blue Imp is proactive in promoting safety. Our products meet or exceed the safety guidelines set out by CAN/CSA - Z614-14 as well as ASTM F1487. We are a member in good standing of IPEMA (the International Playground Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) and are an IPEMA-certified facility. Our ISO9001:2015 certification ensures that our plant meets rigorous manufacturing standards.
100% FUN, MADE IN CANADA
Born and raised in Canada, the Blue Imp brand remains proudly Canadian to this day. Family-owned and operated for four generations (since 1917!), we have grown to become Canada’s longest-standing manufacturer of playground equipment. We continue to craft high quality playground equipment and park amenities at our headquarters in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
BLUE IMP CARES ABOUT GREEN
Caring for our environment and reducing our carbon footprint are important matters for us. In fact, when it comes to thinking green, Blue Imp led the way early on. In the 1930s, long before the word “recycling” was coined, Blue Imp founder Simon F. Scott reclaimed the steel tubing from decommissioned steam locomotives to manufacture swings and teeter totters.
BLUE IMP QUALITY COMMITMENT
BLUE IMP SWING SPECIFICATIONS
Blue Imp swings are manufactured for the ultimate in durability, safety and low maintenance. Where applicable, steel swing components are manufactured of in-line galvanized steel with triple-protection coating finished with super durable polyester powder for long-lasting vibrance, colour retention and corrosion resistance.
BLUE IMP WARRANTY
It is with confidence and family pride that we continue to back our products with the best warranty in the industry. Blue Imp has been manufacturing playground equipment for four generations and we strive to build high quality playgrounds that will last for generations to come.
COLOUR THE FUN!
POLYESTER POWDER COLOURS Count on long-lasting vibrance with our super durable polyester powder coatings, formulated for maximum UV stability, fade resistance and gloss retention.
VINYL COLOURS Our heavy-duty vinyl coating is applied to platforms, stairs and saucers.
Appendix #2: View Royal Elementary Playground Survey Results
Q1 Who are you?
Answered: 120 Skipped: 0
| ANSWER CHOICES | RESPONSES | |
|---|---|---|
| View Royal Elementary Parent/Guardian | 65.00% | 78 |
| View Royal Elementary Staff Member | 14.17% | 17 |
| View Royal Elementary Student | 9.17% | 11 |
| View Royal Community Member | 7.50% | 9 |
| Other (please specify) | 4.17% | 5 |
| TOTAL | 120 |
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) RESPONSES:
- Grandparent (1/25/2021)
- Community member, soon to be parent of a student at VR (1/21/2021)
- Future View Royal Elementary parent (1/19/2021)
- Childcare centre on site (1/12/2021)
- Parent and staff member (1/12/2021)
Q2 Which playground equipment would you like to see at the new playground at View Royal Elementary?
Answered: 120 Skipped: 0
| ANSWER CHOICES | RESPONSES | |
|---|---|---|
| Climber Bars | 45.83% | 55 |
| Climber Ropes / Rope Elements | 48.33% | 58 |
| Climbing Wall | 55.00% | 66 |
| Monkey Bars | 63.33% | 76 |
| Sensory Panels | 18.33% | 22 |
| Slide(s) | 59.17% | 71 |
| Spinning Elements | 45.00% | 54 |
| Swings | 90.83% | 109 |
| Other (please specify) | 12.50% | 15 |
| Total Respondents: 120 |
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) RESPONSES:
- Zip line (1/26/2021)
- Ramps only, for accessibility. (1/22/2021)
- Musical elements - giant xylaphone, drums, etc. (1/22/2021)
- Zip line style (1/22/2021)
- Something that utilizes the steep hill adjacent to the playground site i.e zip line, mega slide, obstacle course etc. (1/21/2021)
- zip line (1/21/2021)
- An Obstacle Course (1/21/2021)
- Zipline (1/21/2021)
- gliders (1/21/2021)
- bridge, club house, rubberized floor (1/21/2021)
- Accessible features for students with physical disabilities (1/20/2021)
- Bridges that connect different parts of the playground are always enjoyable. (1/14/2021)
- some type of zipline, see-saw, access areas for students with physical needs, ramp to lower field (1/14/2021)
- Gaga Ball Pit (1/12/2021)
- Something that caters to the older grades & not something similar to the upper park. LOTS of swings please!! And benches for parents to sit would be great (1/12/2021)
Q3 Additional Feedback
Answered: 30 Skipped: 90
RESPONSES:
- My granddaughter is a grade 5 student three and these are her favorites (1/25/2021)
- Swings take up too much required space and maintenance - highly recommend avoiding. (1/25/2021)
- We really need the same elements put back into the school that were removed. The swings are a integral piece to members of our community with special needs. I would like to see a wide variety of swings to include special needs Monkey bars are needed as well. Before the nature play space we had a wooden playground there, a sun. Holding the nature play space many of the elements of the wooden play structure were never replaced One playground is not enough (1/25/2021)
- A rubber ground would be better than the wood chips (1/22/2021)
- Re: ramps only structure For example, https://littletikescommercial.com/product/ramps/ (1/22/2021)
- Would love to see incorporation and celebration of multi-culturalism and languages (see little touches at Banfield Park), Indigenous presence, arts, musical elements, colour, food growing, opportunities for handmade elements (see Wark Street Park), and challenging climbing structures. And a safe soft ground. (1/22/2021)
- The big playgrounds at Tillicum and Marigold school are fantastic and would be great to see similar at View Royal. Please stay away from plastic equipment (1/22/2021)
- Thanks for taking feedback. Please make this playground as hazardous as the districts lawyers will allow. Our children are not being done any favours by coddling them and over engineering their environments. (1/21/2021)
- thanks (1/21/2021)
- It would be nice to have rubber flooring. Thanks! (1/21/2021)
- Really excited for the new playground! (1/21/2021)
- Please ensure variety and different elements from the existing play structure on-site. (1/21/2021)
- Incorporating 3 sailboats into the playground- since it's View Royal flag or a raccoon for the school mascot. (1/21/2021)
- The BC Ministry of Education should be funding this and all other school outdoor equipment. It's shameful that the school must resort to parent/PAC funding for this project. This should not occur in a province as rich as BC. (1/20/2021)
- I would see the children playing more safely on the playgrounds ,yet have fun. (1/19/2021)
- The kids loved the old school setup. Please bring back basic bars and swings! (1/19/2021)
- The number one piece of equipment would be swings, my littles cried when they were removed (1/19/2021)
- Looking forward to for a new play equipment. Thank you! (1/19/2021)
- Make it for all Age ranges in mind and spread out enough that the younger kids feel comfortable even when the bigger kids are using it! Can’t wait to see it! (1/19/2021)
- Please replace the swings in particular as they are a key feature that is now gone. Thanks (1/15/2021)
- Looking forward to seeing what unfolds! (1/15/2021)
- Swings, swings, swings please!! (1/14/2021)
- -When I surveyed the students, they told me they wanted: -spiral climber -Merry-go-round (apparently there is a safe version) -zipline -trampoline (like the Parksville park) -spinning "cup" seat -tube slide -bumpy covered slide -double slide (1/14/2021)
- Can't wait for the new playground! (1/14/2021)
- If you’re going to ask the kids what they’d like let’s stick to it this time! (1/12/2021)
- Please have it be a metal playground. The plastic ones aren't very good (1/12/2021)
- Number one choice of equipment is to have the swings. They are a key feature that is well used by students of all ages. (1/12/2021)
- Swings are a must! The kids love the swings and are so sad they are gone! (1/12/2021)
- Thank you. (1/12/2021)
- The students need a play space where they can explore & burn off some energy. We need the exact opposite of the “nature playground”. (1/12/2021)
Appendix #3: Current View Royal Elementary PAC Financial Statements
Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2021
ASSETS General account: $19,013.04 Gaming account: $7,385.90 Petty Cash: $79.61 Accounts Receivable: $ - Coast Capital Savings shares: $5.04 TOTAL ASSETS: $26,483.59
LIABILITIES Playground savings General: -$5,000.00 Uncashed Cheques General: -$38.99 Projected budget balance: -$9,807.99 TOTAL LIABILITY: -$14,846.98
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND ASSETS BALANCE: $11,636.61
PLAYGROUND SAVINGS General account: $5,000.00 School PAC account: $1,000.00 Fundraising: $6,764.39 TOTAL PLAYGROUND SAVINGS: $12,764.39
Income and Expense Statement for the period August 01, 2020 to March 31, 2021
| INCOME | BUDGET | ACTUALS | VARIANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming | |||
| Annual RAFFLE | 4,000.00 | 0.00 | -4,000.00 |
| Gaming - annual funding | 6,200.00 | 6,680.00 | 480.00 |
| General | |||
| Grocery Program (Thrifty's) | 750.00 | 657.76 | -92.24 |
| Miscellaneous (mabels labels, Glenwood) | 250.00 | 0.00 | -250.00 |
| Monk School Supplies | 400.00 | 540.30 | 140.30 |
| Playground | |||
| Purdy's | 2,000.00 | 3,767.25 | 1,767.25 |
| Bottle Drives | 2,000.00 | 2,915.14 | 915.14 |
| Donation | 0.00 | 82.00 | 82.00 |
| playground sub total | 4,000.00 | 6,764.39 | 2,764.39 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 15,600.00 | 14,642.45 | -957.55 |
| EXPENSES | BUDGET | ACTUALS | VARIANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | -120.00 | 0.00 | 120.00 |
| Miscellaneous Operating | -500.00 | 0.00 | 500.00 |
| Agendas: 1 per student (Gr 1-5) | -1,500.00 | -1,912.06 | -412.06 |
| Non-Budgeted Expenses | -350.00 | 0.00 | 350.00 |
| Arts Performances | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Fundraising/Appreciation Expenses | -100.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 |
| Earthquake Preparedness upkeep | -4,000.00 | -3,622.50 | 377.50 |
| 15 divisions, $200 per | -3,000.00 | -3,000.00 | 0.00 |
| Grade 5 year-end celebration | -200.00 | 0.00 | 200.00 |
| Grade 5 year-end trip ($25 / student - 60 g | -1,500.00 | 0.00 | 1,500.00 |
| ipads | -5,500.00 | -4,638.36 | 861.64 |
| Gaga Ball pit | -8,000.00 | 0.00 | 8,000.00 |
| accruals | -637.99 | -599.00 | 38.99 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | -25,407.99 | -13,771.92 | 11,636.07 |
TOTAL INCOME OVER EXPENSES: -$9,807.99 (Budget) | $870.53 (Actuals) | $10,678.52 (Variance)
Statement of Changes in Financial Position
Beginning funds balance, August 1, 2020: $25,613.06 PLUS: Current excess (deficit) of income over expenses: $870.53 Ending funds balance: $26,483.59
Appendix #4: View Royal Elementary PAC Executive 2020-2021
PRESIDENT Megan Newhouse, president@vrpac.com
TREASURER Catherine Chernoff, treasurer@vrpac.com
SECRETARY Tarrie Simpson, secretary@vrpac.com
VCPAC REPRESENTATIVE Colleen O’Brien, vcpacrep@vrpac.com
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Mandy Gorman, fundraising@vrpac.com
PARENT AT LARGE Jocelyn Carter-Sim, parent1@vrpac.com
WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR Norman Carter-Sim, webmaster@vrpac.com
Appendix #5: Letter of support from View Royal Elementary Vice-Principal, Christina Chase
To Whom it May Concern,
We are writing this letter to express our ongoing support for the View Royal Elementary Parent Advisory Committee’s (PAC) playground project. In December, 2020 our school’s swings and monkey bars were removed from our school grounds after being deemed unsafe. The area has been left barren, with the hopes that it can be transformed into a Indigenous nature garden in the near future. Unfortunately, this new plan does not address current issue with lagging playground structures for our students and school community. The swings and monkey bar climbing structure that was once there has been a community favourite for the past 30 years, and are sadly missed by students and community members at large.
We are so pleased to have an eager PAC who have taken up the fundraising charge in order to support the purchase of a new playground structure for our students. While playing outside children gain so many essential skills including but not limited to, socio-emotional skills, problem solving and fine and gross motor physical development. The View Royal PAC families are eager to provide funding for an inclusive playground for all.
Over the course of the 2020-2021 school year the View Royal Elementary PAC has engaged in fundraising to help support the installation of inclusive play structure equipment. The goal is to have new, safe and inclusive swings installed by September 2021 (Phase 1). The cost to install the swings is approximately $30 000. As you can imagine this is a significant cost to cover for our school and puts a lot of fundraising pressure on the families of our 310 students. The PAC runs solely on volunteer hours and have supported, and continue to support a number of initiatives in our school community. Despite ongoing, outstanding efforts we are continuing to face a shortfall of funds. Currently we are $20, 258.66 short of our goal. Any efforts on your behalf would be greatly appreciated by our entire school and surrounding community.
Thank you for your consideration.
In Support,
Christina Chase Vice Principal View Royal Elementary
