VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says students at Okanagan Landing Elementary will soon be playing on a new accessible playground, thanks to $165,000 in provincial funding.

“Outdoor play is so important in a child’s development. Not only does it help build healthy habits and relationships, but it allows a space for creativity and imagination to run free. An accessible and fun place to play is something every child deserves,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “For too long, parents were left to fundraise for the play equipment their kids needed. We’re changing that by funding new school playgrounds like this one at Okanagan Landing Elementary, so that families can spend less time on fundraisers and more quality 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