Vote for JEES playground with Aviva Community Fund

Jennie Emery Elementary School (JEES) in Coaldale needs a new playground.

A parent from the school, Sandra Smith is on a committee looking at different ways to raise funds to replace the playgrounds at the school. The Aviva Community Fund is one avenue the committee has explored and is currently using as a possible way to raise funds for the playground project. “It’s an opportunity for us to create a positive change within our community. We can get a share of $1 million dollars,” said Smith, adding the group wants to get the word out, so residents can sign up and vote daily for the project online. “So we can hopefully make it on to the second round,” she added. First-round voting continues until Oct. 13. Smith said the second round, if the committee makes it, starts Oct. 20. The committee’s entry is, “Jennie Emery Elementary School Community Playground” on the Aviva website and the group also has a Facebook page. Smith noted there were originally three structures built at the school 20 years ago.

“They now no longer meet code. Once that happens, then they’re no longer kept up or fixed. If somebody breaks it, it is taken down because it is considered a hazard. One of the three has been removed because of water that was laying there,” said Smith, adding the committee is now looking at different structure options in regards to new playgrounds, which if built, will be an asset to the entire community.

“It’s located centrally, kind of within our community and it would benefit the children and families in that area of town,” said Smith. Vote today.

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