Who let the dogs out? — R.I. Baker grant helps with dog park upgrades

By Stan Ashbee
Sunny South News

Dog parks in any community are a great way for families and their canine best friends to get some fresh air and exercise — in Coaldale, it’s no exception. Especially when a local school helps fund a few future upgrades to the town’s off-leash dog park with a recent grant win. Coaldale’s R.I. Baker Middle School officially received a $2,000 Youth in Action grant last Friday morning.
R.I. Baker Vice-Principal Lindsey Hagen said a Grade 6 grant writing project began in September 2015, as the class was part of a research cohort through the University of Lethbridge on how to teach authentic writing in classrooms. “And looking at applying a real audience for kids is giving the writing they do a real purpose. A grant application isn’t something a Grade 6 student would necessarily write, but in that, there’s all kinds of learning to be had about who their audience is, what kinds of words and vocabulary are they going to be using and how are they going to put all those pieces together in a way that will hopefully successfully communicate their ideas and become a successful application for a grant,” Hagen explained.
Grade 6 student Katie Swann said it was a great opportunity to help improve the community and the town’s dog park.
“It was a really good learning experience. I hope more dogs can be healthy and active, along with dog owners by improving their park,” she noted.
According to Palliser Regional Schools, schools in the division received a total of $5,500 in Youth in Action grants from the Community Foundation.
Huntsville School in Iron Springs received a $2,000 grant to install an outdoor volleyball court and seating area. A $1,000 grant approved for Coalhurst High School will go towards a water bottle refilling station. Coalhurst Elementary School received a $500 grant towards the cost of putting on a school-wide colour run.