A Prince George school was forced to close an entire play structure after thieves stole a climbing wall from the property.
The principal of École Franco-Nord, Dolores Patenaude, said they discovered the missing climbing wall early yesterday morning when students using the playground asked the supervisors where it had gone.
“Someone came with the right equipment, the right tools, and took apart the screws and took apart the climbing wall.”
“It was quite shocking, this is a play centre for children. The kids were very sad and upset.”
Patenaude said that other bolts had been unscrewed, possibly in an attempt to dismantle and take more than just the wall.
“We had to close down the play structure until we know nothing is compromised. We have to check all the screws and everything.”
The equipment was installed eight years ago after the school fundraised for it, a task that took four years and a little over $30,000.00.
They haven’t yet made plans on how to recoup the cost of the wall, which she estimates will ring in over $1000.00.
“I don’t know yet, it only happened yesterday. We are already funding for another structure so I wouldn’t want to take money from that. We’ll have to see with insurance and how much it will go up.”
“I’m really disappointed. It’s disgraceful, I’m not happy, but we have to move forward.”
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