The YMCA-operated daycare playground that was vandalized at Regina’s McVeety School in September will be restored to a better shape than it was before the damage.
YMCA CEO Steve Compton put out the call for help, looking for $5,000 in donations to rebuild the wooden playhouse structures that were destroyed.
“The community responded very, very generously to that act of vandalism and I’m happy to say that we not only met the goal, we blew it out by a long shot,” Compton said.
The YMCA raised a total of $26,000, allowing for not only the replacement of the wooden structures but for further improvements to the playground.
Compton explained the plan is to add a full climbing structure and a physical activity space along with making some general upgrades to the yard.
The YMCA is still working with the school to co-ordinate when the new pieces will be added to the playground.
The initial plan was to get it back to normal as quickly as possible but the recent snowfall may cause some delays.
“This weather didn’t exactly help us out, but if we get a little reprieve from it, we should be able to accomplish some of the work this fall as well,” said Compton.
The YMCA made a commitment to those who offered their support, either financially or as volunteers, to become involved in the process. Thanks to the snow, the more permanent pieces like the climbing structure may have to wait until the spring.
“It’s a wonderful problem to have,” said Compton.