Forest Hill Senior Unveils New Turf and Play Structure
by Marilyn Santucci
Excitement filled the air at Forest Hill Senior on October 21 as students and staff gathered for the official unveiling of the school’s brand-new turf and play structure.
The project, years in the making, began with a group of dedicated staff members who envisioned transforming the schoolyard into a safer, more inclusive, and more engaging space for students to enjoy during recess, lunch, and physical education classes.
With support from the Government Playground Grant, that vision began to take shape. Given the school’s strong soccer culture, the team also recognized the importance of upgrading their playing field. Parent Cameron St-Denis stepped forward and offered an incredible contribution—his company, Field Turf, would donate a new, state-of-the-art turf if the school could handle the surrounding structure.
Forest Hill Senior is now one of only two schools in the world to have this caliber of turf—an NFL-grade product valued at approximately $170,000. Field Turf will not only maintain the surface but also test how the material performs in the Canadian climate. The turf is designed to enhance player safety by reducing the risk of concussions, adding another layer of benefit for students.
With additional funding from other school board grants, the project was completed and proudly unveiled five years after its inception. To further enhance the space, the school also planted 23 trees, adding natural beauty and much-needed shade for students during the warmer months.
“Movement is so important,” says Lisa Larente, Principal of Forest Hill Senior. “Being able to move regularly throughout the day really increases students’ availability to learn, and that’s why these new spaces are so meaningful for our community.”
The ceremony brought together the entire Forest Hill Senior community, along with members of the governing board, the planning committee, the mayor of St-Lazare, Cameron St-Denis of Field Turf, and many other special guests. The event was proudly led by the Grade 6 Leadership Team, who guided the presentation with confidence and enthusiasm. To mark the official opening, two students—the oldest and youngest at the school—had the honour of cutting the ribbon. The celebration concluded with a spirited soccer match between students and staff, perfectly capturing the sense of fun, teamwork, and school pride that defines Forest Hill Senior.
“I am so excited and so many people gave us money to do this and I think that’s very kind of them. I am also happy that the space is safer for all of us,” says Stella Allard, a grade 6 student.
