Photo: Two gaga ball pits at Prairie Christian Academy currently have dirt and gravel playing surfaces. The school society is seeking funding to install a recycled tire surface to improve safety, drainage and year-round usability.

Kneehill County council has deferred a request from the Prairie Christian Academy Society for funding to improve two gaga ball pits on the school’s playground.

Representatives from Prairie Christian Academy appeared as a delegation during council’s July 31 meeting to request support through the Kneehill Community Grant Program.

The society is proposing to replace the existing dirt and gravel surfaces in the two pits with a professionally installed recycled tire surface. The playground is located on school property but is open to the public and is used by students, families and other community members.

A gaga pit is an enclosed, waist-high playing area, commonly shaped like an octagon or hexagon, used for a fast-paced game similar to dodgeball. Players use their open hands to strike a soft ball and attempt to hit their opponents below the knee to eliminate them from the game.

According to the grant application, the pits become muddy during wet weather, creating maintenance problems and causing mud and debris to be tracked into the school.

The proposed work would include the installation of a road crush base and a UV-protected black recycled tire crumb surface. The new surface is expected to provide a cleaner, more durable and more consistent playing area that can be used more frequently after rain and during changing weather conditions.

The society said the cushioned surface would also improve safety by reducing the risk of slips and falls while supporting outdoor recreation and physical activity.

The total project cost is estimated at $15,000, including $14,222 for materials, site preparation and installation of the recycled tire surface.

Remaining funds would be used to repaint the two gaga pits, primarily through volunteer labour, and install signage acknowledging project supporters, including Kneehill County.

The application was submitted May 26, 2026, with the society indicating it hoped to complete the improvements in June or early summer so the upgraded pits could be used throughout the summer and during future school years.

The Kneehill Community Grant Program supports community initiatives, youth activities, events and capital improvements that contribute to the social, cultural and recreational well-being of the county.

Religiously affiliated organizations may be considered for funding when the proposed initiative is non-denominational and open to the wider community.

Following the delegation, council requested additional information from county administration. A decision on the application was deferred until the Aug. 25 council meeting.