A new option has popped up for the location of the amalgamation of King George, Princess Alexandra and Pleasant Hill Schools. Representatives from Saskatoon Public Schools approached the City’s Planning, Development and Community Services Committee about looking into Optimist Park. Originally, the thought had been to rebuild on the Princess Alexandra site.

Superintendent of Facilities with the school division, Stan Laba, says they would like to report back on possible designs and the pros and cons of both options. He notes that Optimist Park is not far from Princess Alexandra, and is more centralized for the three schools. It could also include a bit more space than the current acreage at the school.

He stresses that all the park recreation facilities would remain, and the school would only use a portion of the park. The committee unanimously passed a motion for Administration to report back on the implications, including how having less park space could be mitigated and making sure there is plenty of public engagement.

Laba adds they are also considering partnerships for the school no matter where the site ends up, including a joint use recreational facility with White Buffalo Youth Lodge, which had been discussed earlier for the Princess Alexandra site.

The City Centre School projected cost is $29-million and the school division and would house between 500 to 600 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. It’s estimated the school could open either in the fall of 2024 or 2025.