A new playground at McCaskill’s Mills Public School in Cannington opened in July 2026 after an eight-year effort involving the School Community Council, students, families, businesses and neighbours.
The campaign began in 2018, when the council learned the aging playground had already required more than $5,000 in repairs and was nearing the end of its expected life. The large slide was removed in 2023; the remaining structure with slides was taken out after failing inspection in 2024, and monkey bars were removed in 2025.
The council initially estimated that a replacement playground would cost $80,000. The Cannington Lions Club made the campaign’s first major donation, $5,000, in early 2025. From September 2025 through February 2026, families, local businesses, organizations, school staff, students and neighbours contributed through donations, fundraisers, sponsorships and matching gifts.
The community raised $110,000 in total, which was $30,000 above the original goal. The project included planning, grant applications, meetings, fundraising and setbacks before the playground opened.
School Community Council chair Shirley Ostertag said students had watched their former playground disappear piece by piece and described the new space as a community achievement. Principal Peter Bozanis said the eight-year effort showed what the small community could accomplish together.
The school board says the project’s aim was to provide students with a safe, welcoming place to play for years to come.
Source: Durham District School Board — https://www.ddsb.ca/news/posts/cannington-community-raises-110-000-to-build-a-new-playground-for-local-school
