Fundraising under way for new HMK play structure
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- Published on Friday, February 12, 2016
Photo by Kira Paterson. The current structure is showing signs of aging and a new one would allow for more kids to use it at once.
By Kira Paterson
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
Hazel M. Kellington School (HMK) in Neepawa is looking to make some upgrades that the students can have fun with. The play structure on the south playground has seen its fair share of action, so the school is starting to make plans to replace it. They have gotten quotes from a few different companies and estimate the cost to be between $80,000 and $90,000.
Allen Hanke, principal at HMK, said that the school has been setting aside money since before he started there 14 years ago, knowing that the structure would have to be replaced at some point. He said that back then, they thought they would get about five to 10 more years out of the structure, so they鈥檝e gotten good use out of it for keeping it this long. Now, the school has almost $30,000 saved up, so they are looking to apply for grants and do some fundraising in the community to make up the rest.
With the increase in student population, Hanke said that a new structure would allow for more kids to be playing on it at once. The wood is also showing signs of aging, so they would like to be able to get a new structure before having to make repairs to the existing one. Hanke said that the combination of these factors is what made them decide to start actively working towards getting a new play structure now.
The Legion Ladies in Neepawa have already stepped up to help HMK raise some money. They have planned a supper after the meat draw on Feb. 19 and all the proceeds from admission will be going to the play structure fund. Tickets are available at the HMK office, but there are a limited number available. At the supper, a quilt made by Mary Murray will be raffled off and that money will also go to the school. Students that go to HMK have tickets to sell for the quilt raffle.
Hanke estimated that within the next 12 to 14 months, the school should have raised enough money to make a purchase and they hope to get started on construction in the summer of 2017. If anyone has ideas for fundraisers, wants to volunteer to help with a fundraiser or wants to make a donation for the new play structure, they are encouraged to contact the school.
