Rocky View County council endorsed Langdon School’s plan to construct a concrete swale, June 29.
The meandering swale, which will be 210 feet long, will contour into the surrounding landscape to help improve overland drainage.
This area is currently drained by a natural swale. Water and snow tend to collect there, because it is a low-lying area.
“This is something that really does have to be addressed,” said Division 4 Councillor Jim Rheubottom.
When built, the school was intended to house 360 students, however there are now 740 students in attendance, according to Shelagh Phelps, project manager for Langdon School Playground Committee.
Because of the high foot traffic through the area, the grass gets destroyed when the ground is wet in the spring and usually doesn’t recover by the end of the school year.
“The traffic was just immense, and it is always mud,” said Phelps. “It can be up to two feet deep.”
Phelps said the preliminary cost of the swale was estimated at between $65,000 and $68,000. However, a generous unnamed developer has offered to do the job for about $27,000.
Funds were raised through grants and fundraising.
The playground committee is hoping construction will take place this summer and be completed by the time school starts in the fall.
Rocky View County council gave approval to the Springbank Park for All Seasons to proceed with an application for a development permit, June 29.
The permit will allow construction of a dressing room facility, which will be located next to the Springbank Park for All Seasons.
The facility, which is projected to be about 3,000 square feet, will include four dressing rooms, showers and washrooms, storage and a concession area.
It will be used all year by teams and individuals accessing the skating rink and sports fields.
