The project
A new playground for W.O. Mitchell — and all of Silver Springs
W.O. Mitchell Elementary is a K–6 Spanish bilingual school in the CBE, serving nearly 400 students in Silver Springs, NW Calgary. Our current playground is aging and has been assessed as beyond its projected life expectancy: repairs are increasingly expensive and replacement parts are difficult to source. It is scheduled for demolition in July 2027.
Our vision is a safe and inspiring outdoor space where every child — ¡cada estudiante! — can learn, play, and grow together: a playground that reflects our vibrant bilingual community and encourages creativity, movement and connection for generations to come.
The design & builder
After a competitive bid among three complete design-and-build proposals, we selected Alberta-based BDI Play Designs, supplying Blue Imp commercial playground equipment manufactured in Medicine Hat, AB — keeping design, manufacturing, distribution and installation within Alberta. The new playground includes:
- A large Blue Imp composite play structure
- The Dream Weaver climber
- Swings, spinner and Wave Catchers
- Benches (sponsorable with in-laid plaques!) and new signage
- Fresh gravel surfacing, perimeter wood borders and landscaping
The current design is conceptual — the final layout will be confirmed as fundraising completes.
Bigger than one school
According to the 2021 Census, Silver Springs is home to over 1,400 children aged 0–14 — and neighbouring NW communities and childcare facilities will enjoy the playground evenings, weekends and all summer long.
The problem
Repairs can't keep up
Sections of the playground have been fenced off while hard-to-source replacement parts were tracked down.
The design
Conceptual playground design
Concept renderings from BDI Play Designs / Blue Imp — layout not yet finalized.
Timeline
Where we are
2024 – 2025
Committee & needs assessment
The W.O. Mitchell Playground Committee formed and assessed the aging playground with the school and CBE.
2025
Design & supplier selection
After a competitive three-way bid, Alberta-based BDI Play Designs was selected to supply a Blue Imp playground.
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Now – Spring 2027
Fundraising campaignNow
$259,658 raised so far through society funds, a CFEP grant, raffles, bottle drives and the Read-a-Thon. We’re in the home stretch!
- 4
July 2027
Old playground demolition
The current structure is dismantled (covered by the CBE under our 2025 agreement).
- 5
September 2027
Build & grand opening
The new Blue Imp playground is installed over the summer, opening for the 2027–2028 school year.
Ready to help build it?
Every contribution — from a family donation to a corporate sponsorship — gets us closer to opening day.