Southwood Elementary School received a grant of $30,000 towards their new playground last week.

Marilyn Hart, a member of the school's Play Space Committee says they are now able to replace the aging 30-year-old wooden structure and put a brand new playground in its place. Hart explained Phase One was complete on March 31st, and now, because of the donation, Phase Two of the project is able to move forward. The timeline for construction is not finalized yet, but will start some time in the summer and end in the fall.

Linda Dyck, the Principal of Southwood School, says the students are happy with the structures that were updated in phase one, continuing with how the new plans will allow for even more access.

"It's more than a school playground, it's a community space." Hart says, adding because of the size of Schanzenfeld, the school playground is also used as the local park.

The money comes from the Federal Co-op Community Spaces program where different organizations across Western Canada are able to apply for donations.

"We're fortunate enough to have our second winner in the last number of years," Evan Toews, Genaral Manager of the Winkler Co-op, says.

Enbridge also contributed $10,000 to the Southwood Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee in Schanzenfeld toward design and construction of a natural play-based park project. Pictured (from left): Bill Cherowka, Assistant Construction Manager, Enbridge; Marilyn Hart (Southwood Play space Team); Doug Hislop (Construction Manager) and Andrew Plett (Land Services), Enbridge; Wenona Thiessen (Southwood PAC Chair), and Linda Dyck(Southwood Principal).