Playground Project 2026/2027

PLAYGROUND UPDATE

We are thrilled to announce some fabulous news for our school - the TDSB has recently advised that both of IRC's play structures are scheduled to be replaced this coming summer 2026!  We wanted to share some key details about this development, and also let you know how you can help support our fundraising efforts to get the best play structures possible for our kids!  

More Information on the playground placement project:

What?  Both the kindergarten play structure and the junior play structure will be replaced by the TDSB.

When?  Construction is currently scheduled to begin Summer 2026, with completion in Fall 2026.  (*Note - the construction will not be completed by the start of the new school year, so we will expect some disruption in Fall 2026.)

How Can I Help?  We have set a target for our school to contribute $50,000 to the playground replacement (please see below for more details on funding).  The great news is that thanks to the incredibly generous support of the IRC school community over the last couple of years, IRC Family Council has been setting aside funds for the playground replacement, so we are well on our way to meet this fundraising goal!!  However, we still have some extra fundraising to do to help get us to the $50K finish line, and we need your help!  We have developed a comprehensive fundraising plan for the year, including the following two major events: 

· December Playground Fundraising Appeal - a call out for playground donations.  Fundraising Target = $10,000.   All donations of $25.00 or more will receive a tax receipt.  Stay tuned for more details on this in a separate email.

· IRC Fun Fair - mark your calendars for June 13th, 2026.  Fundraising Target = $20,000 (consistent with last year's Fun Fair).

All proceeds from these fundraising events will be dedicated to our playground replacement project this year!  Please help us with this once-in-a generation opportunity to improve our playground for our kids!  

How Does Funding Work?  The TDSB contributes a set amount towards the purchase of each new play structure, and they cover all installation / maintenance costs.  Individual schools can then contribute additional funds in two ways:

1. The school can contribute up to a maximum of $15K in additional funds for each play structure. (*This is amount is capped for equity reasons across various TDSB schools.  The additional funds directly increase the Board's budget for purchasing a new play structure.)
2. The school can purchase certain "Optional Fundraising Elements".  These elements are procured by the TDSB, so selection is limited to what the TDSB offers, and what fits our space and meets Board requirements.  

How Much $ Does IRC Need to Contribute?  We have set a target for our school to contribute $50,000, which would be used as follows:

· $15K top up for the Junior Play Structure 

· $15K top up for the Kindergarten Play Structure 

· $20K - target amount to be contributed towards the purchase of "Optional Fundraising Elements" - see above. 

How Does Design Work?  The Board has been working with the school (including school staff, IRC Family Council and the IRC Playground Committee (which includes parent representatives, the principal, and staff members)) over the past couple of years to define our playground requirements.  The Board has completed a survey of the land and a preliminary design.  The next step is that the TDSB will lead a procurement process to source a vendor to provide the playground structures that best fit our needs/requirements.

Will Community Get a Say in the Final Design?  Yes!  The play structure vendor proposals received from the TDSB procurement process will be shared with the school, and we we will vote as a community on which play structures we like best.

Questions?  If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your IRC Family Council for more information at ircfamilycouncil@gmail.com.