Parents at Charlie Lake school are joining forces with the school district to build a new community court for a variety of sports, and they'll need the public's support to make the project a reality.
Representatives with the Charlie Lake PAC say the existing basketball court is old and unsafe, and overdue for improvements for students and the surrounding community.
“The court is cracked with grass overgrowing and running through it, which is a tripping hazard rendering the court unsafe, as well there are no longer painted lines, damaged fencing and nets,” says Lisa Jung, head of the PAC’s playground committee.
“It is our goal to establish a safe and usable community court that can be used throughout the year, by our 320 students and community members.”
Planned is a new accessible community court with six basketball nets of various sizes for all ages, and a smooth and safe surface for a variety of other year-round activities including pickleball, four square, ball hockey, and ice skating, Jung said.
The budget for the project is $138,850, and the PAC has partnered with the school district, which is covering the costs of removal, said Jung.
A target installation date has been set for summer 2024.
“We would love for our community to have a space for people of all ages to engage in leisure activities to improve youth engagement and the overall health of our community,” said Jung.
“We are actively working to raise the funds necessary but cannot achieve this target date without the help of our generous community members.”
A dance and silent auction will be held at the Charlie Lake community hall on Saturday, March 4 at 7 p.m., with the Sweetwater band performing. This will be an adults-only event and there will be a midnight snack.
For more information, contact Jung at clpacsr@gmail.com.
Supply drive for SPCA
Also coming up, Lakers will be showing their kindness to both the SPCA and Peace Villa this Valentine’s Day. Students from Mrs. McCabe and Ms. Chartrand’s classes will be visiting care home residents at Peace Villa on Feb. 14 and drop off much needed supplies and donations for the local animal shelter.
Among the wishlist of goods being collected for the SPCA are puppy pads, kibble, canned cat food, litter, and SD cards and USB drives to help the shelter work remotely. Monetary donations can be brought to the school and teachers involved as cash or as cheques written out to the North Peace SPCA.
