Rusting metal, fading colours, loose boards and an outdated design: the playgrounds at J. J. Nearing Catholic Elementary School are nearing the end of their lifespan and need replacement.
Playgrounds are expensive to update, but the school has hit upon the idea of a "math-a-thon" fundraiser to help make the numbers add up.
The play structures were built in 1999, and the city has given them a timeline of two to five years for replacement in the small park, and five to seven years for the large park. Mark Kay, the volunteer playground committee chair, said the old board was given this notice two or three years ago.
"It's just one school pushing through because unfortunately, we lost the past two or three where it should have been being done, and it wasn't," said Kay. "So now we're kind of behind."
Kay said the city inspects the playground and provides the school with a report detailing what needs fixing and when.
"So, when the city comes in, does their inspections, and it's up to the school community to fundraise for that park," he said. If something is unsafe, the city will remove it and the school is in charge of replacing it.
Replacing the playgrounds will cost between $300,000 to $400,000.
The school has raised around $83,000 through fundraising events such as hot lunches and selling art cards. They hope to raise at least $120,000 to qualify for grants. Now, they have decided to hold a math-a-thon to raise funds.
"We're trying just to do something different," said Kay. "So, we are doing a math-a-thon."
He said they wanted to do something to encourage learning.
Teachers at J. J. Nearing Catholic Elementary School sent home practice math questions with all Grade 1-6 students, who will then be tested on their skills. Community members are then able to pledge money to the student.
"So you can pledge a kid per question, if you want," Kay said. "You can just do a blanket pledge, whatever works for you."
The deadline for pledges is May 28. Students will be entered to win prizes donated by local businesses for participating.
Kay said while it is up to the school community to find the money to replace the parks, the entire neighbourhood benefits from the playgrounds.
"It's up to the school community to fix these parks," said Kay. "So if you see a fundraiser that the school is doing in your community, and your kids use that park, even if you don't go that school, you really should support that park build."
