FRUITVALE – New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says students at Fruitvale Elementary will soon be playing on a new accessible playground, thanks to $165,000 in provincial funding.

“Playing outdoors with friends is one of the most important and memorable parts of elementary school,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay-West. “School communities shouldn’t be left to fundraise for play equipment, and that’s why we are investing in new accessible playgrounds so families can spend less time on fundraisers and more time together.”

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.

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.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022ECC0032-000671