STUDENTS at St. Edmund's elementary may have some actual grass to play on soon, after the City of North Vancouver agreed to develop a joint use plan for a small adjacent city park.
In front of a gallery packed with St. Edmund's supporters, student body president Mathew Purkiss and classmate Kiahna Jennex presented the school's proposal to council.
"We have a great school," Purkiss said, "but it lacks a proper schoolyard. However, behind the fence there's a small green area known as McEvoy Park. Our proposal is to use this park to improve our schoolyard and the community."
After more than 100 years in North Vancouver, St. Edmund's is the oldest Catholic school on the North Shore, said Jennex, and serves 200 students from 140 families. Nevertheless, the only play area available is the parking lot, an ugly sloping stretch of concrete.
"Almost every single day someone falls and hurts themselves," she said, adding that the gradient also interferes with ball games like soccer.
McEvoy Park, she continued, is barely ever used by community members.
"If you asked the park, it would say it was lonely and wants to play with kids," she said.
The school proposes to install a low fence around the park and install play equipment. The public would still be welcome to use the space, particularly when students are in class. "This is a win-win proposal," Jennex said.
"Mayor Mussatto," the two students said in unison, "we are here to tell you that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence."
The students' word-perfect presentation drew loud applause from the crowd and clearly won the hearts of council members.
"That was first-class," said Coun. Don Bell. "You are the youngest people I've ever seen at council. Very professional, well done."
Bell quizzed school principal Mike Field on a few safety and public consultation questions. Field said he intended to fully cooperate with city engineering staff and would hold a community hall meeting with council's blessing.
"You're aware this would be somewhat precedent-setting, using public lands for a private school?" asked Bell.
"Yes," Field replied. Coun. Linda Buchanan asked if parents with preschool-age children would still be able to use McEvoy Park.
"Our survival as a school depends on our relationship with the community. I'm definitely interested in making this a proper interaction," Field said.
"We have no choice but to endorse the recommendation before us," said Coun. Craig Keating. "It's also a great proposal because St Edmund's has endured as a core element of our community for quite some time. In a small community like ours, this exactly the kind of thing we need to have."
Staff will return to council with a specific joint-use arrangement.
