Playground Update - November 2022

At the September School Council & Fundraising Society meeting held on September 28, the Playground Committee presented a summary review of the Sport Court & Playground budget and funding sources.  Please see attached document.

We are VERY PROUD to announce that the funding has been achieved to meet the Sport Court & Playground Budget!

Just a tremendous shout out to all the William D. Pratt School families, to our school staff, to our students and parents, to our community association, RRROCA, to many local businesses and to our funding partners... Alberta Education, Parks Foundation Calgary, Calgary Flames Foundation.

THANK YOU so much for your Generous Spirit, your Patience and Persistence and Dedication to Making this project a reality and a success.

We did this Together -- Congratulations!!!  This is YOURS!

A Grand Opening date is forthcoming - watch for details!  We want to celebrate YOUR patience, YOUR support, YOUR vision and YOUR dedication in making this a huge SUCCESS!

Thank you,

William D. Pratt Fundraising Society

Playground Update - Sept. 2022

To Family, Friends and Supporters of William D Pratt School.

The Sport Court project is so close to being finished!!! Through the spring and summer, work on the court space has progressed, but not without a few unforeseen circumstances that have added financial costs completely beyond our control.

Most relate to the dramatic rise in diesel prices (42% increase since the start, and has remained high, even today) This has unfortunately resulted in surcharges on supply chain items, shipping costs, transport cost increases and fuel surcharges…. From ground hauling in the beginning, on-site grading work, asphalt, etc… There were many subcontractors and contractors all with unanticipated expenses that have to be covered by the project.

Other issues beyond our control included an unforeseen water line relocation issue and the nature of the very rocky ground requiring unplanned heavy-duty equipment for post-hole installation.

These surcharges and challenges have resulted in nearly $50,000 extra charges, or a total unplanned levy of 15% over our initial contract. Despite our Society having planned for a small contingency buffer… it was not enough!

We couldn’t have anticipated that scale, and we are now faced with a near $20,000 budget deficit, which will need to be resolved prior to finishing the project.

We are actively looking for new sources of funding as soon as possible, so we can get the court open to start playing! We are seeking any corporate/businesses who may be interested in donating. If you know of anyone, please share this info. We are also calling on the generosity of our school and community families… any little bit can help!

With your support we hope to meet this final goal, and get those gates open as soon as possible!

There are multiple ways to contribute to this project including:

  • Make an direct e-transfer to wdprattfundraising@gmail.com (super simple, but unable to issue tax receipts)
  • Make an online donation at Parks Foundation Calgary: Select School Projects, then William D Pratt Playground from the Project Drop down menu.
    *Tax Receipts available for all donations (online donations subject to 2% admin fee)
  • Make a Cheque donation to Parks Foundation Calgary, using the provided Parks Donation Form, with Project name: William D Pratt Playground & Sport Court.
    *Tax Receipts available for donations over $100.
  • Contribute to our online EducationMatters Campaign. Money raised will be directed to the Playground or to other key areas within our school.
    *Tax receipts available. (subject to 3.5% admin fee)

Thank you so much for your patience and support! Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Warm Regards,
Your Playground Committee
Jackie, Monique, Ann, Kate, Tatyana, Lindsay & Niki
William D. Pratt Fundraising Society
wdprattfundraising@gmail.com