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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-06-17, Page 13Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - Page A 13 SW Smoot Dr., 4N7 Same telephone an ax number: (ph) 519-524-4049 (fax) 519-524-6117 (Stilt f�til We will gip s ss. Ioc*#ir AB M# Y, sevR w!�. fiN Du1�#tyr. back Pmt Won't Stop US From Moving" we took fonvvti U WON you in roil:110pm. i> Huron Physiotherapy 300 SuucApst Ur. s{ Geolgricli, Apt. N74 4N7 51/-524-049 (W) 519-524-M7 (F) Photo by Dominique Milburn With one little snip, Jewel Plunkett (Above, with principal Angela Cowley) opened a playground two years in the making to Colborne Central Public School students during an unvieling on June 13. Playground dedicated to Plunkett Dominique Milburn signal -star staff A chain-link ribbon bearing the names and wishes of each student was the final touch on a long journey for Colborne Central Public School and the community Saturday as work com- pleted on the installation of a new play- ground structure. In a touching move, Jewel Plunkett, mother of the late Const. Robert Plun- kett, made the official barrier snip that opened the playground to a rush of children who had been eagerly antici- pating its arrival since 2007. "It's sad, but nice," Plunkett said as she watched a band of more than 60 students clammer up the ramps, ladders and bars of the fully -accessible struc- ture. Dedicated as the Robert Plun- kett Memorial Playground, a plaque fixed prominently at its base honors its namesake and his accomplishments. "This is absolutely a good day for everyone," Plunkett continued. "I'm so proud to be here." The new playground structure is fully accessible to allow access for physical- ly -challenged children as well as any- one with mobility challenges, such as parents with strollers and grandparents babysitting grandchildren. Not only does this position the school for the future by addressing new legislative requirements, it also opened the door to funding that would not otherwise been available -- funding that covered the additional cost for an accessible structure. During summer months, on weekends and outside of school hours, the play- ground will be open to the community and will represent the first structure of its kind within the municipality. A partnership with the Carlow Morn- ing Star Masons allowed the school to receive an Ontario Trillium grant to- wards the project. Funding was also generously granted from a number of other organizations, including Ron- ald McDonald House, Hydro One, Wal-Mart, Goderich RONA, Goderich Kinsmen and the Goderich Lions Club. Numerous parents and other local busi- nesses and organizations have also generously contributed to the cause. Colborne Central was fortunate to be one c F 40 playground projects in Can- , ada this year to receive a grant from an organization called "Let Them Be Kids." This organization, founded by re- nowned humanitarian and philanthro- pist; Ian Hill, supports projects that bring people together around a com- mon goal in order to make their com- munity a better place. Let Them Be Kids requested that the playground structure be dedicated and named after a fallen hero, such as a sol- dier, police officer or firefighter. Fol- lowing community input, the decision was made to name the structure after Detective Const. Plunkett, originally from the Auburn area, was a York Re- gional police officer and was killed in the line of duty in 2007. New monkey bars, swings, a picnic shelter and a brand new 400 -metre track are also part of the overall project. The track will be dedicated to Bob Leckie, a World War II veteran who visited Colborne students every Remembrance Day, and was part of The Memory Project, the Dominion Institute's flag- ship educational program designed to connect veterans and students online and in classrooms across the country. Leckie passed away in 2007 and was very much admired by the children. The June 13 event may have offi- cially opened the playground, but the formal dedication is scheduled to take place September 23. NON -DENOMINATIONAL WEDDINGS CHRISTENINGS our ocation or • urs Rev. Chris Morgan Pastor Paula Morgan 5194245724 CLICK COMPUTER REV. CHRIS MORGAN SUNCOAST MALL 397 Bayfield Rd. Goderich ,49 rel /z: Featuring... Jerry Rader's Honestyle products Metzger's meat products ayter turkey products y,orr Baked goods • Frozen Entrees • Lunches • Meats • Salads • Giftware Enjoy our locally made products 519-440-5151 Store Hours Mon -Wed 9-8 Thlurs--Fri. a Sat 9-/ Sun 12-5