St. Anne School celebrates opening of accessible playground

The St. Anne School community celebrated an important milestone on September 10—the official opening of the only accessible playground in the north end of Saskatoon.

It took a summer to build it, and work to raise funds began a year-and-a-half ago. But the inspiration for the project goes back almost three years.

Parents Brittany and Justin Hiebert saw the need in 2023 when their then-preschool-aged daughter, Mckenna, sustained a brain injury and she began to use a wheelchair. Wanting McKenna, now in Grade 1, to be able to fully participate in recess and play with friends, they started planning fundraisers and applying for grants to build an accessible playground at the school.

Barbeques, raffles, plant sales, bingo nights, and other fundraisers were held. Individuals and corporate donors responded generously. The Government of Saskatchewan’s School Playground Equipment Grant program helped push those fundraising efforts to the finish line.

“It’s really encouraging when a whole community comes together in support of each other like this,” said Kris Hanson, principal at St. Anne School. “I’m thankful that the Hieberts took a real leadership role in the playground. We’re grateful that McKenna, and all children in the neighbourhood, will have a safe, accessible and inclusive place to play without barriers.”

The opening of the playground coincides with the school’s 50th anniversary, and an open house was held for past staff and students to see the school.