NANAIMO – New Democrat MLA Sheila Malcolmson says students at Cilaire Elementary will soon be playing on a new accessible playground, thanks to $165,000 in provincial funding.

“Playgrounds are key for children to learn, share, get exercise, and most importantly, have fun,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “By funding a new accessible playground at Cilaire, we are making sure that more children can play safely and taking the burden of fundraising off of parents.”

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 cooperate, 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/26720