Updated October 27, 2026
In fall 2012, more than 500 students at Alex Hope Elementary in Langley lost their playground. The 20-year-old equipment was found unsafe and had to come down. Rebuilding would cost about $100,000, and the school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) had no easy way to raise it.
Less than a year later, the kids had a brand-new place to play. This is how the community made it happen, and why it became the first project of the On Line Collision Playgrounds Initiative.
A Community Fundraising Effort
PAC President Karen Moore led a small team of dedicated parents who began fundraising right away. They ran a poker tournament, bake sales, raffles and more. Brie Walmsley championed the fundraising and was instrumental in its success.
Larger contributions soon followed:
- On Line Collision Playgrounds Initiative: $30,000, donated in December 2012
- Township of Langley: a one-time $25,000 grant, since the playground sits on Township land within Alex Hope Park
- The Super Save Group: $10,000
Through fundraisers, donations and grants, the PAC reached its $100,000 goal in about eight months. That’s an impressive result for a parent-led group.
Build Weekend: May 4–5, 2013
Installation began on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Dozens of parents and volunteers turned out in sweltering heat to build the new play area.
On Line Collision’s “Smile Makers” worked the barbecue all weekend to keep the volunteers fed. Daryl and Bryan Kruger and Rolly Hilland ran the grill. Several local businesses also pitched in:
- Charlie of the Walnut Grove IGA donated the food for the weekend
- David George of Avante Concrete donated the concrete. In other words, he helped make the project a “concrete” reality
- Dennis Davidson of Keepsake Photography photographed the build
Ribbon Cutting: June 3, 2013
On June 3, 2013, local dignitaries, parents and supporters gathered for the official ribbon cutting. The children of Alex Hope finally had a safe, fun place to play again.
Building Bigger Smiles
Alex Hope was the first project of the OLC Playgrounds Initiative. We’re proud to have played a part, but the credit belongs to the parents, PAC members, volunteers and local businesses who pulled together for the kids in their community.
Supporting the community has been part of who we are for more than 30 years in Langley. Learn more about how On Line Collision gives back →
