Kindergarten Replacement Project

Background In September 2012, AVSC initially discussed a “yard revitalization” project Some research done throughout year Tendering process Other Schools Greening/Outdoor Classrooms Preliminary Parent Survey done in May 2013 to gather interest Ranked Yard Revitalization against other Council priorities Conclusions: Support was unanimous, provided other priorities not neglected Ranked elements of yard revitalization Kindergarten play structure seen as most important element

Background- Council Process Council approved “playground project” in October 2013 Sub-committee struck that determined Overall project plan for multi-year project budget, timeframe, scope for first phase (kindergarten structure replacement) Responsibilities and roles (e.g. communications, liaison with Board regarding timelines to meet scope, fundraising, consultations with students) Longer-term elements of schoolyard revitalization were examined but with common understanding they would not be implemented within the year

Background- Timeline Council Agreement on project reached in October 2013 Board Timeline- Form 800 in by February 1 st, 2014 for September delivery –money needed to be in place November, December, January – Focussed on fundraising and consultation with kids April 27 th – Dan measured site once snow had melted May- Specifications document prepared End of June Equipment review July design finalized August Site prep and

Funding: How we did it. Had not allocated all of and budget once discussions had started- approximately $20,000 Past Fundraisers included silent auctions ($6000), pizza, QSP and Entertainment Books “Parent” donor letter netted almost $14,000 Many donations of $100 and $250-$300, one anonymous donation of $4000 Daycare at school provided $5000 Fundraisers targeted to the playground Bottle Drive, Holiday Bazaar, eWaste, Coffee Sales Business donations and Community Association donations

JUNE 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

“Success” Factors Focussed on ONE component of a much larger project Tuned out “the noise” Dedicated committee outside of larger council Join the team if you want Focussed on Funding Once the money was there, choices were available Continued to fund core council priorities (e.g. arts and dance workshops, literacy aids) Kept the support of whole school and council Kept the momentum- people saw us working !

“Success” Factors Continued Restricted decision making on non-scope decisions to playground committee (e.g. colours, design, number of components) Stayed away from catalogues and “design” discussions Had trust of the administration Did not wait for City funding Called Dan. A lot.