The committee fundraising for a school playground to honour a late educational assistant says they're about a quarter of the way to their goal.

Lane Moore is principal of the Bentley School, and chair of the Joslyn Snow Memorial Playground. He says to date, they've raised about $105,000.

Most recently, Moore says the group raised about $5,000 at a recent carnival.

“It was so great to see so many families. We had live music, we had people donate money to us, the fire department donated their time. It was a great community event with so many kids and families. It was something Joslyn would be proud of,” Moore says.

There are a few more fundraisers planned this year, including at the Bentley Rodeo and an art gala auction. As well, they are waiting to see if they will receive money from various grant applications this fall.

The project cost is estimated at $450,000.

Moore says drawings are already done and in addition to the playground, there will be basketball and volleyball courts, and inclusive space.

“We really just wanted to encompass everybody because Joslyn worked with our special needs students at the school, who either struggled medically or academically. We wanted to make sure we included everyone in our community,” he says.

This is all in memory of Snow, who died a year ago from a brain tumour at age 27. It was one of her last wishes that something special be left behind for the community’s children.

Moore says a playground was a fitting way to honour her legacy.

“She was always smiling. She wasn’t scared to tell you as it was. She was just full of spirit. She had a passion for the kids. She had a passion for life. We really do miss her.”