Students at Sidney Elementary school are starting off the school year with a new accessible playground that will give them the opportunity to get outside and learn through play, while also improving their physical strength, balance and co-ordination.

The playground was funded through a $105,0000 provincial investment from the Playground Equipment Program.

“As a parent, I understand how important playgrounds are to a child’s physical and social development and how access to safe and modern playground equipment can improve a child’s focus in school,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “In the past, parents spent years to fundraise tens of thousands of dollars for much-needed playground equipment. I’m proud to be part of a government that is making life easier for families and children through our investments in the Playground Equipment Program.”

The Playground Equipment Program was launched in 2018. Since then, government has invested $10 million to provide 101 new playgrounds to schools throughout the province. Every school district has now received at least one new playground. The program relieves parents of some of the responsibility for fundraising for playground equipment and also helps communities that do not have the capacity for fundraising.

“Playgrounds offer many benefits for kids that help them advance physically and emotionally while providing a fun place to be active and stay healthy,” said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. “I’m so pleased to see that this government is investing in our children’s health and well-being. Students at Sidney Elementary now have a safe and accessible playground to enjoy for many years to come.”

Playgrounds encourage outdoor physical activity, help students learn how to share and overcome challenges. They also help them focus and learn more effectively in the classroom. Playing outdoors has been shown to reduce anxiety, allowing children to have increased focus and attention spans.

School districts apply for the funding by sending a list of priorities in their capital plan submissions in June each year. Playgrounds are being funded based on greatest need. Priority is given to schools where there is no playground, then to schools where the existing playground is aging. Districts that did not receive funding this year may receive funding next year, if they apply for it.

Quotes:

Victoria Martin, chair, Saanich School Board —

“This new playground and outdoor learning space will provide a safe and accessible addition to Sidney Elementary school, its growing student population and the community as a whole. Play spaces are critical necessities to the healthy development of our children in their formative years. These spaces will be here for years to come, providing many children with these wonderful learning opportunities. On behalf of the Saanich Board of Education, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of B.C. for the funds that helped make this project possible.”

Lesley Goodwin, president, Sidney Parent Advisory Council —

“The ministry has provided an inclusive playground for our children and as a result, the fundraising efforts that we do as parents can be focused on enhancing other programs and activities. Both the school and surrounding community will enjoy this playground for many years.”

Quick Fact:

• More than 25,000 children will be able to enjoy new playgrounds at 101 schools around B.C.

Learn More:

Playground Equipment Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/programs