A new accessible playground approved for Davis Bay Elementary School in Sechelt, is just one of 26 new playgrounds destined for 26 school districts across B.C., with funding provided by the NDP government.
Nicholas Simons, NDP MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, says the funding means parents can spend less time fundraising for equipment and “more time having fun with their kids.” Each school district will receive $195,000 to build playgrounds designed to be accessible for children of all abilities.
“Every student deserves a playground that is safe, accessible and fun and that’s why I’m so glad that this new playground will be designed for children of all abilities,” Simons said in a press release.
Last year, Kinnikinnick Elementary, also in the Sunshine Coast School District, received funding for a playground, which is now complete. Since 2018, the government has built new playgrounds at 282 schools, benefiting more than 70,000 students across the province. Each school district has received at least one playground since the program started in 2018, and some schools received funding for multiple playgrounds.
Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care says 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.
“Playgrounds enhance our kids’ well-being,” Singh said in the press release. “These are spaces where children can truly be themselves, where they express their joy, and learn valuable social skills. Our government is thrilled to ensure communities throughout the province gain better access to modern playgrounds for everyone’s benefit.”
As well, the 2024 budget includes $3.75 billion for school capital projects over the next three years, including new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades and replacements, and land purchases for future schools.
