A dream is now a reality for children in Vancouver as their drawings were turned into a new playground this weekend. In less than eight hours, a new play space was built at the Champlain Heights School Annex with the help of more than 200 volunteers from Foresters, the school community and non-profit organization KaBOOM!. The new playground will serve thousands of children and their families in the community for years to come.

Planning for the playground began at a Design Day event held in June when local children and community leaders met with organizers from KaBOOM! and Foresters to design their dream playground. The children's drawings were then used to create the final playground design.

"A safe, inviting playground gives these kids a place to socialize outside and engage in healthy physical activities," said Champlain Heights Annex School Vice-Principal Carrie Sleep. "Over the last couple of years, neighbourhood parents have struggled in the face of funding cuts to find resources to replace our aging playground. We are thrilled that Foresters and KaBOOM! have stepped in to make the project happen. Building the playground will be a unique experience that will bring the community together in a positive way." 

The new 4,000 square-foot playground includes a Spiral Dragon Slide, Climbing Wall and Adventure Bridge.