School districts across the Kootenays will get a cut of provincial funding to build new accessible school playgrounds.
B.C. officials say the grants will give each school district $200,000 to build new play structures.
“Creating safe, accessible spaces for children to play is crucial for our communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“Access to play shouldn’t depend on parents’ ability to fundraise for these facilities. This investment goes beyond building new playgrounds – it’s about fostering stronger, healthier neighbourhoods where families can connect and children can stay active regardless of their families’ ability to pay.”
Schools in Elkford, Marysville, Crescent Valley, Robson and Greenwood will each get a new playground.
“Playgrounds are more than just places to play, they are spaces where children make friends, build confidence and create memories,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“The new playgrounds we are announcing today will provide communities throughout B.C. with safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for kids and families to enjoy for years to come.”
The playgrounds will be available to students and other children in their communities.
“Playgrounds are essential to schools and neighbourhoods as they offer safe, inclusive spaces where all children can play and connect. This ongoing investment eases the burden on families and supports the well-being and growth of our communities,” said Laura Ward, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils.
You can see a list of the schools getting new playgrounds below:
- Rocky Mountain Elementary School – Elkford
- Marysville Elementary School – Kimberley
- Brent Kennedy Elementary School – Crescent Valley
- Robson Community School – Robson
- Greenwood Elementary School – Greenwood
New Democrat MLA Steve Morissette says students at the Robson Community School and Brent Kennedy Elementary in Crescent Valley will soon be playing and exploring on new universally-accessible playgrounds, thanks to $200,000 in provincial funding.
“New playgrounds at Brent Kennedy and Robson Community School means more rural kids will be able to play on accessible, safe, and modern playgrounds,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “We live in such a beautiful place, and I’m glad that our government is making it even easier for families to get outside and enjoy.”
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