Clive School, parents, students and community celebrate new playground grand opening

Clive School Principal Abbey Cruikshank said the playground has already become a vibrant hub of activity for students and reflects years of commitment from the school community.

“Watching our students explore, play and connect in this new space has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “We’re grateful for everyone who helped create a space where students can play, grow and make new memories. The project was supported by so many people, and it’s wonderful to finally see it being enjoyed by the students it was built for.”

Wolf Creek Public Schools Superintendent Tim De Ruyck said the project stands out not only for its size, which includes two specific play zones, but for the impact it will have on generations of students.

“Have you enjoyed it?” De Ruyck asked during the ceremony, drawing an enthusiastic chorus of “Yes!” from the crowd. “This playground will be enjoyed not only by all of you, but by generations of students to come.”

While students may be the primary beneficiaries, speakers repeatedly emphasized that the playground was built through an extraordinary community effort.

Krochak thanked the many volunteers, donors, businesses and organizations that helped make the project a reality.

“Your support came in many forms—through funding, labour, expertise and encouragement,” she said.

De Ruyck noted that playground projects often depend heavily on local fundraising and community support.

“I’ve heard that more than $380,000 was raised to make this project happen, along with countless volunteer hours and a tremendous amount of hard work,” he said. “That’s an extraordinary accomplishment.”

Wolf Creek Public Schools Board Chair, Luci Henry, attending in her other capacity as Mayor of Clive, praised the determination of the Clive School council and the broader community.

“People often say it takes a village to raise a child,” Henry said. “Here in Clive, we know it also takes a village to accomplish something extraordinary.”

Government support also played a significant role in bringing the project to completion.

MLA Jennifer Johnson highlighted the province’s contribution through the Community Facility Enhancement Program.

“Places where children can play, connect and simply be kids matter,” Johnson said, adding the project demonstrates what can happen when government support is paired with local leadership and community commitment.

The journey to the grand opening began in 2022, when members of the Clive School council began exploring the possibility of replacing the aging playground and creating a more inclusive space for students and families.

According to Henry, the road to completion was not always easy.

“They applied for grants, sought sponsorships, and heard ‘no’ more than once,” she said. “Many people might have walked away at that point. But not this group.”

For Krochak, the project carries special meaning. As a former Clive School student, she remembers playing on the previous playground and now watches her own children create memories in the same space.

“Together, we have helped create a space that will serve future generations of Clive families for years to come,” she said.

by Vince Burke, Wolf Creek Public Schools

Clive School, parents, students and community celebrate new playground grand opening

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