News Release

ADMIRAL WESTPHAL PLAYGROUND TURNS GREEN

(Thursday, June 23/05)-- Admiral Westphal Playground will celebrate an important milestone tomorrow when what was once an expanse of asphalt officially opens to students as a grassy play area.

Admiral Wesphal Elementary School did not have a green space for children to play on. While it did have two playground structures, both were surrounded by asphalt. As a former Junior High School there was little requirement for grassed play areas.

Earlier this year, the School Advisory Council approached Councillor Andrew Younger about converting large portions of the asphalt to grass. Councillor Younger provided the required $10,000 from his District Fund.

“This is a chance to change asphalt to grass,” says Councillor Younger. “This is good for the environment, the children, and the community in general.”

Some students have already had a sneak peak at the new grass.

" The activity level of our school has definitely increased with the addition of the green space on the playground,” says Vice- Principal Brendan MacGillivray.” This was especially noticeable amongst the older students. The grass has only been down a couple of weeks and there are more soccer balls, footballs, and kids just having fun.”

An official grand opening will be held tomorrow (Friday June 24) at 9:30 am at Admiral Westphal Elementary School, 6th Fourth Street, Dartmouth. Councillor Younger, students, parents, and school staff will be on hand for the opening and official ribbon cutting. Media are invited to attend.

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Councillor Andrew Younger
(902) 476-1727

Brendan MacGillivray
Vice- Principal, Admiral Westphal School
(902) 435-8305