Springbank Middle School’s parking lot will be paved this summer.
“Our existing parking lot at Springbank Middle School is not in good shape,” said Darrell Couture, associate superintendent of business and operations for Rocky View Schools.
“It is our worst asphalt area in the division.”
The project has been in the works since 2007, but was delayed because of roadwork in the area by Rocky View County. To date, $57,730 has been spent to re-configure the entrances off of Range Road 33, including widening and paving part of the roadway to Elbow Valley School, expanding the bus parking loop and placing a frost box around the sewer line to the Springbank Cottage Childcare building.
The cost to complete the Springbank Middle School parking lot upgrade is expected to be $164,632 and will include paving the entrance to the north of the Springbank Community Association building, and the roadway up to the Cottage Childcare building and the extension of a sidewalk along this roadway to expand the student drop off area.
The work will also complete drainage improvements and re-paving of the existing staff and visitor parking area.
The funds for the project will come from RVS’ cash-in-lieu of reserve held by Rocky View County.
Area trustee Helen Clease was in favour of the upgrades but said there is more to be done in the area.
“I am glad to hear we are finally doing this because the area is quite bad,” she said.
“I don’t know if we have considered putting a light in the area because that entrance is very difficult to find at night. Also, Elbow Valley School has very much the same problems and they have to deal with a lot of mud because their parking lot is not paved. I guess that’s for another day.”
Couture said RVS staff will look into placing a light in the area and will consider signage to mark the entrance in the interim.
The project will be put out to tender next week, construction will begin in mid-July and is expected to be completed by September.
“My only concern is that we have the work completed before September when the kids are back in,” said Trustee Don Thomas.
Board Chair Sylvia Eggerer agreed.
“It would be really good if we could get this done before school starts,” she said.
