Parkside Jr High School Modernization Receives Green Light for Construction Funding

The Parkside Jr High School modernization project which includes a complete school remodel and gymnasium addition is about to go from conception to reality.

During the province-wide address to Albertans, Premier Danielle Smith announced new funding to advance new school capital projects through a school construction accelerator program. One of the announced projects was the Parkside Jr High School modernization & addition project which is currently in the final stages of the design phase. 

“This is exciting news for our Redcliff families and the community of Parkside,” says Redcliff trustee Pam Cursons. “The newly modernized facility will be an engaging space for students to learn and a state of the art recreational space for all of Redcliff to enjoy.”

The project was first advanced in March of 2023 as part of the provincial Capital Plan announcement, but that only included funding to conduct a review of the proposed project and to get the design phase completed. Without construction funding, the project was not able to move forward.

“Unlike how school projects used to be announced, there are no guarantees that a project that received planning or design funding will be next in-line for full construction funding,” says PRPS Chief Financial Office Ryan Boser. “Our goal was to keep moving the project design forward to the point we were ready to go. We were about to reach that point at the end of October, so the timing of the announcement is perfect.”

In addition to an upgraded exterior and interior, the school will see many additional improvements including the conversion of the former gymnasium into three new learning spaces which will include a learning commons, science room and CTS lab. The office will be moved from where it is currently located to the front entrance and a new food/concession room that can accommodate hosting school events and tournaments will be added. The biggest change will be the addition of a new larger gymnasium which has been a biggest request from students and community. The school is currently seeking community donations to help fund the increased gymnasium size.

“Our students, staff and parents have been really excited about this project, however until now it was just something we hoped for and didn’t know when it would happen,” says Parkside principal Jonn Baird. “With this funding announcement we can all start to get really excited about these changes becoming a reality. We can’t wait to host other schools and invite the community into our new space. It is a building all of Redcliff will be proud to use and call its own.”

More information about the Parkside Jr High School modernization project can be found on the Prairie Rose Public School website including the most recent rendering for the project.

Read more about the Parkside Jr High School Modernization project online: https://www.myprps.com/parkside-jr-high-school-modernization-project