Marrickville Public School's yard will Rule with help from Council

Inner West Council has stepped in to help complete Marrickville Public School’s school yard re-design project.

Last year, Marrickville PS won the national www.myparkrules.com.au competition run by The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and 202020 Vision.

The prize was the re-design of a space in the school yard and the support of approximately $100,000 in products and services to make it a reality.

Marrickville PS was selected by the jury (including Greater Sydney Commission’s Lucy Turnbull AO) as the national winner from over 100 entries across Australia.

Over the last 12 months, the school has been fund-raising the shortfall, and the project is scheduled to commence next month.

However, the school was still short about $1,000, according to Shahana McKenzie, Chief Executive of AILA.

The funding shortfall concerned, “The disposal of the existing asphalt surface that is being removed to make way for the new space,” Ms McKenzie.

“The tip fees associated with disposing the asphalt is currently the only element of the project that is not resolved, and unfortunately no funds have been raised to cover this cost.”

Which is where Inner West Council stepped in.

“We were happy to contribute the disposal cost of $1,000,” said Administrator of Inner West Council Richard Pearson.

“The estimated amount of asphaltic concrete is 130 tonnes, and it will go to a recycling facility in Fairfield,” he said.

“I congratulate Marrickville Public School on their mighty effort in winning this national competition in the first place, and then doing a sterling job on fund-raising almost all the rest of the money to complete the job.

“I’m just happy Inner West Council could help,” Mr Pearson said.