Early Xmas at playground

An early Christmas present has arrived at Wiltse Elementary School in Penticton for kids at the school and the community in general to enjoy.

“The Apollo”, a two-story, climbing, spinning playground has arrived as a unique addition to play equipment for the school and wider community.

“It’s so cool,” said Wiltse Grade 4 student Maxwell Hodges, “It’s like a spaceship had a 4-metre-high baby with a merry-go-round and then someone turned it into a spiderweb.”

Wiltse principal Travis Bond said they are working alongside the school district with an aim to install the piece early in 2021.

”The staff and students of Wiltse Elementary have always appreciated the support that we receive from PAC, parents and the local community. This is truly an example of coming together to achieve a common goal. Hundreds of current and future students will enjoy this new play structure.”

The project was a product of the Wiltse’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) who have raised over $40,000 to purchase the equipment and put towards installation costs.

The parent group sold everything from hot dogs to potted plants to raise the funds, and in 2019, they held an inaugural “playground-a-thon.” The event raised over $8,000.

“There has been such generosity from our parent community and Wiltse’s entire neighbourhood,” said Tina Lee, chair of Wiltse’s playground committee. “We’re so close to our fundraising goal. We have about $5,000 to go to cover installation costs and then we’re ready to get the Apollo in the ground.”

The playground installation has been buoyed by a generous in-kind contribution from Wendy and Wade Wagstaff of Grizzly Excavating who stepped-up to cover considerable excavation and trucking costs associated with the playground installation.

Wiltse PAC is making one last appeal for contributions before the new year hoping that any local businesses or individuals may want to take advantage of charitable tax credits available to playground donors.

Contributions can be made by contacting Wiltse PAC at wiltseschooplac@gmail.com or online.