VICTORIA – Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming and Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean says students in Greater Victoria are getting new universally accessible playgrounds, thanks to $210,000 in provincial funding announced today.
Braefoot Elementary school and Eagle View Elementary school are receiving $105,000 each for new accessible playgrounds.
Funding for the new playgrounds comes from the Playground Equipment Program, now in its second year. The program provides up to $5 million each year to school districts for new or replacement playgrounds. This year, the New Democrat government is funding 50 new playgrounds in 34 school districts around B.C. – including 30 universally accessible playgrounds.
In the past, schools’ Parent Advisory Councils would have to fundraise large sums of money for new and replacement playground equipment, and schools without that capability were left without playgrounds. The new fund ensures that kids don’t have to suffer for years with inadequate or unsafe playground equipment, and that parents can focus their limited time an energy on their children.
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.
The New Democrat government has delivered historic levels of funding to B.C. schools, including the biggest operating and capital budgets in B.C. history, an extra $1-billion in classroom funding over 2016/17, and $2.7-billion over three years to build, expand, and seismically upgrade K-12 schools.
Quotes:
“As a parent, I understand first-hand how tough it can be for schools and parents to find the time and volunteers to fundraise for playground equipment and activities. Our government is committed to improving the learning environment at B.C. schools — safe, fun and accessible playgrounds are very much part of delivering on this commitment. And to make this happen, parents should not have to become dedicated fundraisers in their spare time.” – Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake and Minister of Education
“Playgrounds are an essential part of childhood and critical for a child’s development. I am excited for the kids at Eagle View and Braefoot elementary schools, who can now look forward to new, accessible playgrounds.” – MLA Mitzi Dean for Esquimalt-Metchosin
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0023-000409