Identified by the distinguished style of homes in Upper Warfield, “Mickey Mouse town” is bringing its neighbourhood focus to the forefront with a community use building.
Parents and their children lined Webster Elementary School’s fence with miniature plastic houses Wednesday, a little touch to spruce up the look of the chain link fence but also a way to collect funds for a project in the works.
Purchases of the $10 cut outs will go toward operating a new community space.
A portable at Webster that was initially to be transformed into an art space has opened up to a broader concept. Rather than restricting the space to art programs only, the community use building (CUB) has now opened up to an array of local activity.
“We switched gears,” said Rachel Jansen, a member of the Webster parent advisory council (PAC). “We’re looking at seeing what other community uses and partnerships we can run out of there.”
After receiving approval from the board of education, Webster’s PAC secured half of the $2,355 cost from the village to set up the portable on a three-month basis. Now parents look to file another application for the portable to be available for rent during the next school year.
Programs like a baby massage course and Mother Goose, where parents and their children gather to recite rhymes and songs, are already using the heated space.
Warfield parents have worked toward opening up the elementary school to community programs since a school district report highlighted declining enrolment and possible school closures.
“The ministry has given us some pretty good suggestions as to the direction they want us to go with community school and community ideas and partnerships and so has the board,” said Jansen. “They’ve said they’re supportive, and we have a really supportive council that’s helping us and sees the value in keeping our community in our school.”
The CUB will be open to the public to view this Saturday during Warfield Family Days and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
Those stopping in will also have the opportunity to buy and decorate a miniature home during their visit or can choose to bring one home and add their own personal touches on their own time.