St. Martin of Tours welcomes new play structure

WHITNEY – After four years of waiting, the kids at St. Martin of Tours finally have a new play structure to call their own.

Thanks to a $10,000 PowerPlay grant from Hydro One, the school has a new playground that features a small rock climbing wall and a large, winding slide.

The PowerPlay grant is designed for First Nations and Métis communities within Ontario, serviced by Hydro One. It helps fund child and youth-focused recreational facilities and equipment projects with grants up to $20,000.   

For St. Martin of Tours, the school received $10,000 from Hydro One, thanks to the help of both school council members and Vice Principal Joanne Ronholm.

“It’s been a long journey of fundraising and planning,” Ronholm said during an unveiling ceremony on October 27.

Kelli Nicholas from school council explained how the project came to fruition. Four years ago, the former play structures were removed due to safety issues. The school has been fundraising to replace them for almost three years, Nicholas explained.