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Friday, June 13, 2025

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While the sky overhead was a little bit gloomy, the spirits of everyone in attendance for the celebration of Plumas Elementary School’s brand-new play structure, were nothing but sunny.

A large crowd of parents, teachers and, of course children, were on hand on Monday, June 9 for the formal ribbon cutting and barbecue. While the structure itself was completed early last winter, this was the first time the community has been able to come together and celebrate the project’s completion.

Patty Thomson, a past PAC President at Plumas Elementary School, served as the master of ceremony for the festivities. To go along with the ribbon cutting, there was also an acknowledgment of all the organizations and levels of government, who assisted in making the build of the just over $100,000 structure, a reality. Plaques of recognition were handed out to about a dozen different supporters, including the Province of Manitoba and the R.M. of WestLake-Gladstone.

Just before the ceremony, the Banner & Press was able to speak with Thomson about the project, which was almost six years in the making.

“2019 was the year we started, because we learned that the old play structure was soon going to reach its end, and we didn’t want to get to the point where there was nothing here [for the kids],” explained Thomson. “Of course, 2020 was a bit of a hiccup for us. Efforts were slowed down, but we still moved forward with fundraising and grant applications. It was a

lot of time and a lot of effort locally to reach this point, but we made it.”

Thomson said everyone involved should be very proud of what was accomplished, as they have contributed to something that is a positive for the community.

“The kids love it. Seeing them out there, it’s just been great. This was a community effort. Generations of people helping, through donations, or through volunteering their time, helping build. A lot of people should feel proud of what has been accomplished. This is a safe, fun and inspiring place to play.”

A huge supporter of the play structure was the Province, through its’ Building Sustainability Community Grant. Our local Member of Legislative Assembly Jodie Byram was on hand representing the Province, and commended the community for coming together as they did to achieve this goal. She added the Province was glad to be able to assist.

Another supporter of the project was the Municipality of WestLake-Gladstone. Mayor Darryl Shipman commended everyone involved for their efforts, adding that it’s fantastic to see.

“It’s so important that the children have something that safe to play on. The community came together. There was great support from the parents, families businesses. It’s just great.”

Some of the other notable support came from the Big Grass Community Foundation, as well as Plumas Legion #189, HyLife Foods and Topigs Norsvin.