BCAA volunteers deliver dream play spaces to winners of Play Here

Being excited to give away a playground is one thing, but building a playground is a whole new level of excitement for us, especially because we’re building dream play spaces for kids in BC.

Through our community investment program, we deliver rejuvenated play spaces to BC communities in need. So far, we’ve done that for two of our three Play Here winners, Mackenzie Recreation Centre and John Dahl Park and Cache Creek Elementary School with École North Oyster in Ladysmith coming up next.

Mackenzie

The community of Mackenzie has a lot of young families with toddler-aged kids but no play areas suitable for that age group that would foster their growth and development through play. On September 28th, BCAA employees and community volunteers started with an empty field sitting in between Mackenzie Recreation Centre and John Dahl Park and ended with a vibrant new playground that rejuvenated the space.

To suit the Mackenzie community, we delivered a new, accessible natural-themed playground with two separate structures designed for toddlers and older kids so that everyone has a place to play. More than just a playground, we’re happy to hear that families see the new play space as a hub for their growing community.

As we wrapped up the two-day build, BCAA employees were moved by the many hugs from Mackenzie residents and tears of gratitude from the dedicated moms who led the community's Play Here nomination.

View photos from Mackenzie

Cache Creek

The play space for Cache Creek was much anticipated and emotional for the community which had faced recent adversity that struck its residents hard. After rebuilding and recovering from significant losses due to forest fires and flooding over the last 2 years, winning BCAA Play Here represents more than a playground for the community – it's a symbol of hope and that better times are ahead.

On October 12th, BCAA volunteers arrived at Cache Creek Elementary School, greeted by classrooms full of eager children excited to see their brand new play space come to life. From start to finish, tiny spectators were grinning, waving and cheering volunteers on. In the end, Cache Creek received a playground with breathtaking features geared towards imaginative and inclusive play and accessibility. A vibrant new play space is just the thing this resilient community of Cache Creek needed and we’re happy to be a part of that boost in their spirits.

View photos from Cache Creek

Our next stop, École North Oyster in Ladysmith!

To learn more about this year’s BCAA Play Here winners, visit bcaaplayhere.com