Play Spaces

Play Spaces Committee Updates

 

🌿 Play Spaces Update! October 2, 2025 🌿

 

Naturescape build postponed to Spring / Summer build due to arrival of fall rains.  Help is welcome as we continue to work toward our fundraising goals. Contact kelsetplayspaces@gmail.com for more information.

 

 

🌿 Play Spaces Update! September 10, 2025 🌿

 

We are waiting for approval from the ALR for the overall Landscape project, including the playground features however we have been given the go ahead from School district to proceed with a planting plan enhancement of the Naturescape area, which will involve rejuvenating it with native plantings around the perimeter and a large sandbox area to provide a new place space area for the kids while we’re waiting for the playground piece to be approved.

 

We secured a Grant last year for all of the plant material from Tree Canada. 

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Island equipment operators are volunteering to assist us with all of the machine work and prep work which they can take care of in a day. The intention is to have the planting and mulching done by parents, teachers and volunteers as a one-day project to follow the prep work.

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Updated Landscape Planting Plan 

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🌿 Play Spaces Update! March 3, 2025 🌿

A huge thank you to teacher Monika Rose for organizing an epic garage sale on Saturday! 🎉 And a big shoutout to all the parents, teachers, and volunteers who helped with setup, running the event, and cleanup—not to mention everyone who donated so generously.

Because of your efforts, we raised nearly $2,800 for the Naturescape Project! 👏🙌

We’re so grateful for this amazing support—thank you!! 💚 Let’s keep the momentum going and raise that thermometer! 🌡️

- KELSET PAC Play Spaces Committee

 

Summary of KELSET Naturescape Play Space Enhancement Project

 

The KELSET Elementary Play Spaces Committee is working on a project to revitalize the school’s outdoor area into a dynamic, nature-inspired play and learning space. The goal is to combine natural elements with engaging structures to promote physical activity, education, and community use.

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• Dec. 11, 2024: Play Spaces Presentation Update

• Play Spaces Project Overview

• Peninsula News Review media coverage

• KELSET Naturescape Playground Concept Design PDF

• Play Spaces - Project info sheet page 1, page 2

• How to donate to the Play Spaces project

 

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

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Key Features

• Play structures: Large climbing elements, spinners, a sandpit, and boulders integrated into the natural landscape.

• Educational additions: Native and medicinal plants, chosen in collaboration with the WSÁNEĆ community, with interpretive signage to teach about Indigenous heritage and practices.

• Accessibility improvements: Addressing drainage issues and adding accessible pathways to ensure inclusivity.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced outdoor educational opportunities for 350+ students, including lessons in environmental science and Indigenous culture.

• A safer, inclusive space for physical activity and social interaction, benefiting students and the broader North Saanich community.

• Environmental benefits such as improved stormwater management, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.

Costs

• The project is estimated to cost $180,000 in total.

• The KELSET Parent Advisory Council (PAC) has committed $20,000 toward the project.

• Additional funding will be raised through donations and community support.

Timeline

• Fundraising will continue through spring 2025.

• Construction and landscaping are planned for completion by fall 2025.

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Here is the updated cost breakdown for the KELSET Nature-Scape

 

Playground project, including who is responsible for each component:

• Landscape Works: $47,711

  • Budgeted by D Byrne Construction & Excavating Ltd.

  • Covers the supply and installation of lawn, soil, play boulders, irrigation, grading of planting beds, play surfaces, and the vegetated bio-swale.

• Play Structures + Engineered Wood Fiber: $91,187.25

  • Budgeted by Habitat Systems

  • Includes two spinners, a Habitat Natural Play climbing structure (Yellow Cedar Klondike and Hornby Climbers), engineered wood fiber, supply, installation, freight, and delivery.

• Planting (Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Grasses, and Groundcovers): $9,424.14

  • Budgeted by Novus

  • Covers 18 trees and 399 shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.

• Concept, Detailed Design, and Construction Services: $5,000

  • Budgeted by Biophilia Collective

  • Covers design and construction planning services.

• Interpretative Signage + Co-op Recognition Plaque: $21,850

  • Budgeted by Garside Signs & Displays

  • Includes educational signage and recognition plaques.

Total Cost: $175,172.39

 

This initiative aims to provide a safe, engaging, and educational outdoor environment for both KELSET students and the surrounding community.