Local kids will soon have a shiny, modern playground structure to enjoy at Everdell Hall.

That’s if a small army of volunteers are able to dedicate some of their time to build the structure.

The call is out for at least 25 volunteers to converge on Everdell Hall from Sept. 26-28 to lay the groundwork and put the pieces together, say Valerie Murray, president of the Everdell Community Association.

Murray says the playground itself is quite large, thus the need for the number of requested volunteers.

Volunteers will be provided with lunch, as well as snacks and beverages throughout the process, says Murray.

The $145,000 project is jointly funded by grants from the North Saskatchewan Recreation Board, Community Facilities Improvement Program (CFIP), as well as fundraising initiatives at Everdell Hall including its annual spring dinner theater.

No playground building experience is necessary, says Murray, as a supervisor from Southern Alberta-based Blue Imp Playgrounds will be on site directing traffic and assigning tasks to volunteers.

There had been no playground structure at the hall recently, says Murray, although she says there was an archaic, wooden structure at the site years ago, complete with dangerous slide.

Murray adds that it is an excellent opportunity for local groups who need to fulfill volunteers hours, such as 4H, sports or school organization. Volunteers are asked to be at least 16-years-old.

Murray says it’s been a busy summer at Everdell Hall, which has been booked virtually every weekend since the April dinner theatre performance.

“One of the weekends where it’s not booked is the September 26, 27, 28 weekend,” says Murray. “We’re really excited that we could squeeze that in, but we’re trying to get it done before the snow flies.”

A grand opening celebration for the playground is being considered for sometime in the spring, says Murray, however, local kids will be able to enjoy the playground as soon as its finished.

To volunteer, people can contact Valerie Murray directly at 403-846-1010.

The work will commence Thursday through Sunday that weekend from the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Everdell Hall is located approximately 12 km south of Rocky Mountain House on Range Rd. 7-3.

(Photo by Everdell Community Association)