BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Katrina Chen, Janet Routledge, Raj Chouhan and Anne Kang say students at École Seaforth Elementary will soon be playing on a new accessible playground, thanks to $165,000 in provincial funding.
“I know the pandemic has been challenging for parents with young children,” says Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “By investing in accessible playgrounds like the one at École Seaforth Elementary, we’re creating spaces for all kids to build resilience and learn how to problem solve in safe and playful environments.”
This year, New Democrats are investing $5 million in 30 new accessible playgrounds for 24 school districts across the province. The structures will include features like ground cover and ramps to ensure there’s a place for students of all abilities to play. The playgrounds will be designed and built over the next year.”
“I know the pandemic has reminded parents and teachers across the province of the ways getting outside to play can support kids and their learning,” says Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “When our government invests in accessible playgrounds, we’re giving kids an opportunity to explore beyond the classroom in a safe, outdoor environment.”
Playgrounds help kids stay active outdoors while learning to share, build conflict resolution skills and overcome challenges. Playing outside reduces anxiety and improve focus, helping kids to learn in the classroom.
This funding comes from the Playground Equipment Program, which New Democrats created in 2018 to reduce the burden of fundraising on parents and help communities that don’t have the fundraising capacity to buy the playground equipment students need. Since 2018, the New Democrat government has invested $30 million to fund 231 new playgrounds at schools throughout the province, benefiting more than 57,000 students.
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“An important aspect of our government’s work to build resilient communities includes investing in younger generations,” says Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “When kids play on a playground, not only are they getting outside and staying active, they’re also learning how to share, and building conflict resolutions skills.”
“Building back better means building communities that are accessible to all,” says Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “Investing in accessible playgrounds is just one of the ways our government is ensuring kids have access to safe, positive learning spaces.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/26720