By Derrick Kunz, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

The St. Anne School community celebrated an important milestone on Sept. 10, 2026 — the official opening of the only accessible playground in the north end of Saskatoon.

It took a summer to build it, and work to raise funds began a year-and-a-half ago. But the inspiration for the project goes back almost three years.

McKenna and Brittany Hiebert cut the ribbon at the new accessible playground at St. Anne School. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

Fr. Gregory Roth, pastor at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon, blesses the new accessible playground at St. Anne School. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

Parents Brittany and Justin Hiebert saw the need in 2023 when their then-preschool-aged daughter, Mckenna, sustained a brain injury and she began to use a wheelchair. Wanting McKenna, now in Grade 1, to be able to fully participate in recess and play with friends, they started planning fundraisers and applying for grants to build an accessible playground at the school.

Barbecues, raffles, plant sales, bingo nights, and other fundraisers were held. Individuals and corporate donors responded generously. The Government of Saskatchewan’s School Playground Equipment Grant program helped push those fundraising efforts to the finish line.

Thank you was expressed to all the sponsors of the accessible playground at St. Anne School. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

Kris Hanson, principal at St. Anne School, speaks at the new accessible playground opening. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport with the Government of Saskatchewan, speaks at St. Anne School’s accessible playground opening. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

“It’s really encouraging when a whole community comes together in support of each other like this,” said Kris Hanson, principal at St. Anne School. “I’m thankful that the Hieberts took a real leadership role in the playground. We’re grateful that McKenna, and all children in the neighbourhood, will have a safe, accessible and inclusive place to play without barriers.”

The opening of the playground coincides with the school’s 50th anniversary, and an open house was held for past staff and students to see the school.

McKenna Hiebert and her aunt playing at the new accessible playground at St. Anne School. (Photo by Derrick Kunz, GSCS)

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With 50 schools and over 23,000 students, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is Saskatchewan’s largest Catholic school division, providing Catholic faith-based education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 in Saskatoon and area, Biggar, Humboldt, Martensville and Warman.

Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.