Several Vancouver Island school districts receive $200K for new playgrounds

Numerous school districts on Vancouver Island will receive $200,000 from the BC government to build new school playgrounds. 

In total, the Province is committing $5 million to 25 schools, five of which are located on Vancouver Island. 

Those schools are Sangster Elementary, Sooke; Fairview Elementary, Nanaimo-Ladysmith; Bamfield Community Pacific Rim; Ecole Rob Road Elementary, Comox Valley; and Ocean Grove Elementary, Campbell River.

The Province says this money is going towards new playgrounds to allow children access to modern, inclusive playground equipment, allowing them to continue to learn and grow.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a safe and accessible place to play,” said Premier David Eby. 

“Playgrounds are outdoor classrooms that teach our children valuable life skills—exploration, imagination, risk taking. This is about making life better for our children and easing the fundraising pressure on parents and schools, so they can focus on other great things for their kids.”

This latest round of playground funding follows a combined 332 new playgrounds the BC government has funded since 2018.

Thus far, every school district in BC has received at least one playground since the program started.

“Play is an important part of education. It helps children stay active, build friendships, solve problems and grow in confidence,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. 

“Students all over British Columbia are benefiting from accessible places to play, learn and grow, thanks to government’s playground fund.”

Data shows that building accessible playgrounds supports student mental health and well-being.

They help support children’s development through physical activity that builds strength, co-ordination and overall health.

Playground settings also help kids develop social skills such as interacting, sharing and navigating play together.