March 09, 2011

Yesterday, PotashCorp announced a $140,000 donation to the Prince Philip Playground Committee to complete the fundraising efforts of the local committee to build a new wheelchair accessible, sensory-stimulating playground at Prince Philip School.

To recognize PotashCorp’s gift, the playground has been officially named “PotashCorp Playground.”

"Recreational spaces and programs play an important role in building strong and healthy communities," said Bill Doyle, President and CEO of PotashCorp. "The new PotashCorp Playground at Prince Phillip School will be a one of a kind play area for families and children of all ages and abilities to enjoy."

PotashCorp’s gift is the largest contribution to the project and will be used to build a safe and inclusive playground that is wheelchair accessible, with rubberized surfacing.  The large structure will be enhanced with sensory panels and surrounding stations will feature Saskatoon’s first Harmony Park™ Outdoor Musical Playgrounds by Freenotes.  Other features include a raccoon log, double saucer swing, spinner bowls, kid rock and climbing wall.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from PotashCorp.  The boost to our fundraising efforts allows us to not only build a fantastic new playground, but allows us to have it built and ready to go before the start of the next school year,” says Lariene Blackburn, Committee Co-Chair.
 
Prince Philip School offers regular academic programming for children in kindergarten to grade 8, and is home to the city’s only school to offer specialized programming for Junior and Intermediate Autism Support, which further enhanced the need to replace the more than 20 year old wooden play structure.

“Children with autism tend to develop restricted routines of how they use toys or playground equipment, therefore engaging and diverse equipment would prompt a greater diversity in play….which is a very good thing!” says Wayne McDonald, the school’s junior autism classroom teacher.  Co-Chair of the fundraising committee, Laura Orenchuk says “The new playground will provide a much needed playground for the entire Prince Philip school community, which includes the Junior and Intermediate Autism Program, the community of South Nutana Park and southern Saskatoon.”

Prince Philip School is located in Saskatoon’s southeast corner and is part of the Saskatoon Public School Division.

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