A summer camp connecting youths with nature wants to use Happy Valley Park this summer for free, but city council has rejected that request since it would set a precedent.
The Roots Elementary Program is a non-profit organization that plans to hold day camps at the park from July 4 to 8 and Aug. 1 to 5. The organization asked the parks and recreation department for access to the washrooms for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In exchange for the fee waiver, the group would build a flower garden, plant flowers, and build bird feeders to enhance the park.
During the June 13 regular council meeting, council voted 6-1 against that request. Instead, if the program wants to use Happy Valley Park, it must pay the rental rate of $51 per hour or $204 per day, which is $2,040 plus GST for the 10 full days.
The day camp’s registration fee is $195 per participant. Organizers expect 20 kids to attend the first week and 15 youths to attend the second week.
Coun. Kim Robinson was opposed.
City hall concerns
“The use of the washrooms (for free) would result in the city absorbing the daily cleaning and supply costs for the washroom as well as additional garbage removal and park maintenance. It may also limit the city’s ability to rent the space to other groups that are looking to host events and programs on these dates,” a report from the parks and recreation department said.
There are currently no other bookings for Happy Valley Park during those dates, the report continued. Events that are traditionally hosted there include Motif, car shows, weddings and private events.
“… the parks and recreation department aims to charge outdoor park rentals fees in an equal and consistent manner,” added the report. “The approval would set a precedent.”
Presentation
Amy Cojocar, founder of the Roots Elementary Program, explained the school is a new educational alternative for students in kindergarten to Grade 8. The school — which will officially open at 303 High Street West in September — is based on hands-on projects, learning in nature, and immersion in project-based learning.
“Our school was created in response to changing social and global dynamics, as well as the rise in mental health struggles (of youths),” she said.
“We have projected tremendous growth and believe this could really help Moose Jaw be one of the leading communities in terms of innovative and enriching educational opportunities. There are many schools following a similar model of education in other provinces and globally.”
Cojocar thought it was exciting to bring this type of school to Moose Jaw since she had spent years studying different types of education models. She noted that a traditional school setting doesn’t work for all kids.
She noted that if the program had access to the park’s washrooms, it would lock them unless needed.
A new educational approach
Cojocar listed four reasons Roots Elementary Program differs from a typical public school.
First, youths learn through hands-on experiences and projects.
For example, earlier this year, youths tapped maple trees to acquire syrup. They engaged in four-digit addition, measurement, graphing and estimation. They learned about the land, community, food systems, photosynthesis, temperature-dependent chemical reactions and the science of sap. They also learned phonics, math, reading and sequencing.
Second, the school offers a holistic education that develops the whole child at a young age. Cojocar noted that this could help reduce suicide rates, anxiety and depression.
Third, the school spends 50 per cent of class time in nature. This increases self-esteem and mood, reduces anger and stress, improves general mental well-being, enhances academic performance and reduces mortality.
Lastly, the program connects kids with adults, local experts and people of different ages, which results in a greater sense of self, confidence and well-being.
Council comments
Giving the Roots Elementary Program a 50-per-cent discount might be a better option, especially since it’s a new non-profit start-up, said Robinson. He noted that council talks about businesses being proactive — which is happening here — but is now “putting the wall up.”
Robinson added that he didn’t think giving a new non-profit support was a precedent when it’s just starting.
Most groups that rent Happy Valle Park are non-profit, so to waive the fees here means other groups will request the same thing, said Mayor Clive Tolley. While he supported this new school and its day camp, he did not support the waiver request.
“… I hope you can run your camp and pay the fee and to do it successfully and prove your worth to the community,” he added.
These requests are always difficult because many have merit, but council needs to be careful about setting a precedent, said Coun. Heather Eby. Her issue with the group offering to build flower planters and birdhouses in exchange for rental fees is that they require ongoing maintenance.
“It might be great this year, and then next year something happens and it doesn’t work out,” she added.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 27.
