At James S. McCormick School in Lacombe, a small group of inmates made a decision to give back to the community.

Six inmates from the Bowden Institution are participating in a community service program organized by Correctional Services Canada, to build an outdoor classroom for students.

Equally thrilled as she was thankful for the project known as ‘Grain Space’, Assistant Principal  Christine Graves explained why everyone, except the students, is excited about the project.

"It's going to be a surprise for them. At the moment, they are not aware, but when they come back in the fall, they will see things have changed a little bit!"

Offering up some additional details to the process, Warden at Bowden Institution, Tracey Farmer revealed that the project is mutually beneficial to the inmates as well.

"The inmates here are soon transitioning back into society...these acts of community service give them skills and experience which make it easier for them to find employment when they get out."

Aiming to complete the project before fall, Farmer says that if these inmates complete their sentence before the project is complete, other inmates who qualify for the minimum security community service program should take up where they left off.