SURREY – New Democrat MLA Amna Shah says students at A H P Matthew Elementary will soon be playing and exploring on a new universally-accessible playground, thanks to $200,000 in provincial funding for SD36.

“All children deserve a great and accessible playground, regardless of where they live or their ability,” says Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre. “Funding new inclusive playgrounds has been a priority for our government since forming in 2017, and I know it’s having lasting impacts on our communities.”

Twenty-five schools in twenty-five school districts around BC will receive $200,000 to fund the construction of new accessible school playgrounds. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to providing safe, and enjoyable spaces for all students, ensuring they have quality areas to play during school hours.

Since 2018, the government has built new playgrounds at 307 schools, benefiting over 77,000 students. Every school district has received at least one playground since the program started, and some schools received funding for multiple playgrounds for their communities to enjoy.

Building new accessible playgrounds is part of the government’s priority to ensure students have positive learning and play spaces, no matter where they live.