c/o Meadowfields Community School Facebook page.

The community is coming together for a local school in dire need of playground equipment.

With only a few swings left after over 20 years of use, staff, students and family of Meadowfields Community School are fundraising to transform their playground area.

They’re looking to raise close to $350,000, not just for new playground equipment but also to expand the space and create a park.

Phys Ed. teacher Aselin Ettinger says students are out on the playground every day and need movement outlets.

“Not having those things available to them makes it really hard because for some of these kids that is their outlet, these are the things that they need and when it’s not available to them we see a huge difference in how they’re working and progressing through their school year.”

The community has raised $15,000 so far. The fundraising is continuing with a silent auction planned for mid-October and applications being sent out for grants.

Recently there was a yard sale at the school and they hosted a barbeque during a co-ed lob-ball tournament at the Hebron Recreation Complex.

Vice Principal Kevin Gobien discussed when they’re hoping to have some new gear in place.

“We have a lot of positive attention towards it and we’re hoping to keep that momentum going through the school year and we really hope we have something in place, even if it’s not completely finished, by next September.”

The school opened just over 20 years ago. The original playground equipment had a lifespan of between 20-25 years.