Parents at little Blacklock Elementary are trying to raise around $80,000 to replace their unsafe playground.

It鈥檚 no easy feat to come up with that kind of money, said PAC president Kristina Haglof.

鈥淭he maintenance department has deemed it unsafe and it is slippery on some parts,鈥� said Haglof.

The PAC has been fundraising to replace the aging structure for about two years and are making a plea to the public to help.

If they donate $25 or more, they can get a tax receipt through the 91原创 School District Foundation, she said.

鈥淭hey require we use bark mulch, we don鈥檛 want to, but we have to,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat alone costs $5,000.鈥�

Haglof, who has three daughters going to Blacklock, said their playground is well used not just by students but by many in the community.

Siblings who come to watch 91原创 City baseball teams play on it as does members of the community, she said.

The PAC has raised nearly $30,000 so far.

She has spoken to a playground making company and they told her the structure can be installed in increments.

鈥淚t would be great to get something going in there during spring break so that kids could come back to school with a nice surprise,鈥� she said.

Blacklock鈥檚 PAC is  just one of nearly a dozen elementary school PACs being forced to come up with cash to replace aging playgrounds. Alex Hope Elementary PAC just had several donations, including $25,000 from the Township, to buy a new playground. They had gone without one since the older structure was condemned in September.

If you would like to donate to Blacklock鈥檚 playground replacement write a cheque to 91原创 School District Foundation indicating it is for Blacklock Playground sending it to the school board office.

You can also donate online at langleyschooldistrictfoundation.com.