Pamela Kelly always wanted the best for her students.

 

            For 15 years she worked at Englewood School in Crapaud, performing several roles before becoming the Grade 2 teacher.

 

            Her sense of humour, willingness to try new things and performing acts of kindness earned her the love and respect of her students and colleagues.

 

            In February 2019, Kelly was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from her job to undergo treatment.

 

            On July 20, 2022, Kelly died. She was 48.

 

            Before she died, she often spoke of wanting the Grades 4 to 6 students to have their own playground equipment. The school’s current equipment was designed for kindergarten to Grade 3.

           

            Kelly’s wish has been granted.

 

            Rachael Cameron, president of the Englewood Home and School Association, is leading the expansion of Englewood’s playground in honour of Kelly.

 

            It will be called Pam’s Playground.

 

            Cameron, 37, never met Kelly, but discovered how beloved she was while attending home and school meetings.

 

            When she read Kelly’s obituary, she learned memorial contributions would be made to the school’s playground fund.

 

            After discussing it, the association agreed to take on the project to fulfill Kelly’s wish.

 

            Cameron said despite being inexperienced working on such big projects, she understood how important the playground was for Kelly.

 

            “We thought that we owed it to her and the wonderful person that she was to see this project to completion.”

 

            Fundraising began in September 2022. A goal of $150,000 was set, later increasing to $165,000 due to rising costs.

           

            The school hosted several fundraisers, including a Halloween carnival, a cheese and jam sale and a Christmas flea market.

 

            By December, about $22,000 was raised.

 

            In January 2023, Cameron realized focus needed to shift toward corporate sponsorships. The association started contacting local businesses.

 

            Soon, thousands of dollars in donations came in.

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            The biggest came from Cavendish Farms, which donated $25,000.

 

            Cameron said she was happy to see the project gain momentum.

 

            “People want to help. They want to be part of a project like this.”

 

            She also said she was moved by students who would come to the school office throughout the year with envelopes of birthday or allowance money to help the project.

 

            “There were a lot of happy tears shed over the last year.”

 

            In June 2023, the association partnered with the Municipality of Crapaud in applying for a provincial grant called the Rural Growth Initiative Fund.

           

            Cameron hoped the association would receive $50,000.

 

            They got $100,000.

 

            Cameron said she and her colleague, Krista Millar-Smith, were in disbelief when they learned the amount.

 

            “[We] both cried on the phone, because that meant we were done.”

           

            Englewood staff members were also delighted.

 

            Nadine DeRoche, the school’s Grade 8 teacher, said she got choked up after learning Pam’s Playground would be built.

 

            “To know how much [money] was raised in one year was mind-blowing,” she said.

 

            Randy Reardon, the school’s principal, thought the project would have taken years to complete.

 

            “It’s coming to fruition far sooner than I had thought, and I’m very happy for that.”

 

            By October 2023, fundraising was complete. The association had raised a total of $227,000.

 

            Benches and enhancements for the school’s ball court have already been made with the extra funding. Accessibility features, like a wheelchair ramp and quiet play zone, will also be added.

 

            The playground structures will be installed by June 2024.

 

            Cameron said she hopes the playground will instill a sense of community while honouring Kelly’s legacy.

 

            “We’re just doing our best, and we hope that that is appreciated when this playground is installed.”

 

            DeRoche, 48, said it was fulfilling to see how the project memorializes Kelly.

 

            “Englewood was a big part of her, and she was a big part of Englewood.”

 

            Reardon, 52, said he wished Kelly could see her wish come true but is grateful for the work Cameron and the home and school association did for Englewood.

 

            “[Kelly] would be elated to see this project, and to see the happiness that it’s going to bring to many students for many years.”