And the winner is … St. Charles Catholic Elementary School!
The Chelmsford school is the winner of the 2016 Ugliest Schoolyard Contest presented by VETAC, Greater Sudbury's Regreening Advisory Panel.
École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier's Grade 7 and 8 outdoor space takes home the runner-up prize.
"Play is one of the most important social benefits of green spaces," said Mayor Brian Bigger in a news release announcing the contest results. "When completed, these schoolyards will encourage children to stay active and develop their imagination through creative play."
St. Charles receives a $20,000 cash donation from Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO), a Glencore Company, the contest's major corporate sponsor. In addition, supplies from local businesses will be donated, and expert advice will be provided to transform their schoolyards into greener and healthier outdoor environments.
"We look forward to working with the two winning schools on their playground regreening projects this summer and fall," said Wayne Hugli, VETAC member.
As runner-up, MacDonald-Cartier receives financial assistance to create schoolyard green spaces.
Since 2005, the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest and its sponsors have helped 41 schools create greener and healthier schoolyards. Project planning has begun at this year's winning schools, and the schoolyard transformations will take place this fall.
