The District of Mackenzie would like to build a playground next to their recreation centre – photos courtesy BCAA

Prince George, B.C. – Two communities in our region are in the running for playground funds and they could use your help.

The District of Mackenzie and Bouchie Lake Elementary School in Quesnel are two of 10 finalists’ province-wide in BCAA’s Play Here contest.

Bouchie Lake Elementary would like to build an outdoor classroom

The goal of the contest is to give kids in B.C. a better place to play. The top three vote getters will receive revitalizations worth up to $100,000.

Pat Crook, mayor of the District of Mackenzie, says if they were won of the winners they’d build their playground next to the community’s recreation centre.

“We’ve got a skateboard park for use but there’s nothing for the really young people in the centre of town,” he tells 250News. “So, we’re hoping to construct a playground that the younger kids could use with swings and slides and rubber matting underneath.”

Crook says they are lagging behind their competing communities – many of which are much larger- and is hoping people from outside the community could lend a hand.

“If we can get everybody to vote for us everyday maybe we can get back up there again.”

Bouchie Lake Elementary School is also a finalist from our region.

“Our current playground is a little bit dated so we are hoping to have some updated play structures that our Parent Advisory Council group has been fundraising three years now to build,” says principal Cynthia Bernier. “We’d like an outdoor classroom. It would basically be a roof on supports with a concrete base at the edge of our playground near our school garden.”

She says the campaign has energized the community.

“It’s actually created a really nice community spirit. We have community businesses getting involve ed. We have lots of friends and relatives and community support. It’s been fun – it’s really brought the community together for sure.”

You can vote until June 18 and can vote up to four times per day.  The winners will be chosen June 23. You can participate by clicking here.