Walden Public School unveils new outdoor play structure

New playground equipment was unveiled at Walden Public School thanks to the leadership of the School Council and incredible community support. Staff, students, families and community sponsors gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19, 2026.

With generosity from families, sponsors, local businesses and friends of Walden Public School, Phase 1 of the new playground was completed in September 2025, just in time for the start of the school year.

This phase included soccer and volleyball nets, a new overhead climbing structure, and a play structure with a slide, providing students with a safe, engaging place to explore and play together. Other playground improvements to date include mud kitchens, a GaGa ball court, permanent soccer goals and a volleyball court.

“Over the past several years, Walden Public School and our School Council have worked alongside students, families, and local partners to transform our school yard into an engaging, welcoming and active space,” said Principal Kelly McCauley. “Each project represents the generosity, collaboration and pride of our community.”

She added: “Together, over $80,000 was raised to bring the first half of the play structure to life. Its impact is already being felt by students and the broader Walden community.”

Funds raised through the school’s annual Spring Fair, along with other fundraising initiatives throughout the year, helped make the new playground possible.

“We are extremely grateful for our dynamic group of parents/guardians on our School Council, our major sponsors and to all those who contributed towards our school’s new playground,” said Principal Kelly McCauley. “This project is a shining example of the wonderful things that can happen when the community joins together towards a common goal.”

Major sponsors for this project include Manitoulin Transport, Becker Mining Systems, Commercial Transport, Ditech Truck Repair Inc., DIA Contracting, Berloni Law, Tirecraft, Reliable Cleaning Services, Better Call Paul, Courtney’s Hair Studio, CCM Contracting Ltd., Kenworth Truck Centres, Your Independent Grocer, Wolf Pack, Second Nature, Eddie’s Restaurant, Legend Boats, Gourmet World, Walden Senior Ladies Auxiliary, A10 Fabrication, Graham Monro Charitable foundation, as well as the McCue family, the Robertson family, the Vickman family, the Whalen family and the Zacerkowny family.

Walden Public School provides a nurturing and enriching educational environment for students, empowering them to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. The school and School Council work together to foster a sense of community and collaboration among students, staff and families.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.