New green playground officially launched at Alexander Public School

Alexander Public School held a ribbon cutting ceremony today to mark the official launch of its new green playground. Five years in the making, the schoolyard transformation represents the vision of students, staff, parents/guardians and the community coming together to rejuvenate the outdoor space at one of Sudbury’s historic schools.

“The Alexander Public School community is to be commended for its leadership in creating this wonderful outdoor space for students,” says Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “It is another example of our commitment to sustainability in Rainbow Schools. It is also a tribute to the power of partnerships. Good things happen when people come together to work towards a common goal.”

“We began by gathering information from students about what would make the schoolyard a great place to be,” says Jacques Mantha who served as Principal of Alexander Public School during the project’s development phase. “All staff and students were involved and the results were shared with the entire Alexander community, including parents/guardians. From there, we drafted a plan with the ultimate goal of removing the asphalt from the upper yard and creating a new and exciting green space.”

In the lower yard, a grass hill provides the perfect backdrop for a double slide. A number of trees and shrubs have been planted. A no-mow zone has been created where park benches and tables have been installed. Walking paths have also been added. Sitting rocks were used to create a teaching area, shaded by mature trees. In the upper yard, asphalt was removed to make way for a garden, grass and walking path. Benches and tables were added. Shade trees were planted and a unique music centre was developed.

“The schoolyard at Alexander Public School is now a diverse, green space where students can explore, play and learn,” says Denise Goodmurphy who assumed the role of Principal this fall. “There are shaded and quiet areas to read and learn individually and in groups. The natural environment benefits all students, including the four and five-year olds in our new Early Learning Kindergarten program which was launched this year. The outdoors provides a rich learning opportunity in all seasons.”

Former Principal Jacques Mantha and current Principal Denise Goodmurphy thanked the parents/guardians of Alexander Public School and the entire Alexander school community for their tremendous support of the regreening project, which was led by Regreening Committee Chair Jenny Martindale. They also commended the Rainbow District School Board’s facilities staff members for their support.

“This was a true partnership from our Board, our School Council, our alumni, our city councillor, our parents/guardians, our students, our staff and our neighbours who contributed human and financial resources,” they say. “The schoolyard is a safe place for the students to play at recess, before and after school. It also provides leadership opportunities for students who maintain the garden and watch over their new green space.” 

For parent Jenny Martindale, transforming the schoolyard was a labour of love shared by many people. “We had a number of helpful hands bring this project to fruition every step of the way,” she says. “It was a privilege and a pleasure for me to lead this effort which will benefit students for generations to come.”

School Council Chair André Lemieux commended everyone involved for the exceptional team effort. “We have a great group of students, staff and parents/guardians at Alexander Public School who are supported by the broader school community, including our alumni and neighbours. Our new green schoolyard is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication on behalf of many people. It has been very gratifying to watch the vision become a reality. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces is the greatest reward of all.”

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Media Contact:

Denise Goodmurphy, Alexander Public School

Rainbow District School Board, 705-675-5961