Campbell River – North Island MLA Claire Trevena said students at three North Island schools are getting new playgrounds, thanks to $285,000 in provincial funding announced by the Premier and Minister of Education today.

“We know the importance of encouraging play as part of a healthy childhood,” said MLA Trevena. “The previous government ignored the needs of children at these and other schools, but our government is making them a priority.”

North Island schools receiving playground funding include:

• Cedar Elementary in Campbell River, receiving $90,000 for a new standard playground;
• Kyuquot Elementary/Secondary in Kyuquot, receiving $90,000 for a new standard playground; and
• Fort Rupert Elementary in Port Hardy, receiving $105,000 for a new universally-accessible playground.

This funding is part of a new, ongoing Playground Equipment Program that will provide up to $5 million each year to school districts to purchase new or replacement playgrounds, and fulfills a central NDP campaign promise. This year, 26 schools are receiving $90,000 for a standard playground, and 25 schools are receiving $105,000 for a universally-accessible playground.

Generally, schools’ Parent Advisory Councils have to fundraise large sums of money for new and replacement playground equipment, and schools without that capability are left without playgrounds. The new fund will ensure that kids don’t have to suffer for years with inadequate or unsafe playground equipment, and that parents can focus their energy on their children’s success.

Playgrounds are important for children’s development and learning. They encourage outdoor physical activity and help students learn how to share, work together, overcome challenges and be creative. Outdoor play can help students focus and learn more effectively in the classroom.

See the Provincial news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0023-000863