Silver Star Elementary (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Funding for a New Playground

Silver Star Elementary to get new accessible playground

Apr 22, 2025 | 2:01 PM

Provincial funding is going to establish a new accessible playground in Vernon.

Silver Star Elementary was named a recipient of a $200,000 grant to fund the construction of the new playground.

“Physical activity and fun play are an integral part of childhood to help with physical and mental development, and playgrounds help to meet that need. As a mom of three children, I remember when parents had to fundraise themselves for playground upgrades or replacements,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby, said in a release.

“Through this program, our government has been funding hundreds of accessible playgrounds around the province, including locally at Alexis Park Elementary, and now, there is another brand new, accessible playground coming to Vernon at Silver Star Elementary.”

The local school one was one 25 named as grant recipients. Other area schools receiving provincial funding for playgrounds were Belgo Elementary (Central Okanagan), Sorrento Elementary (North Okanagan-Shuswap), and KVR Middle School (Okanagan Skaha).

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

16h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

18h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

19h ago

“Creating safe, accessible spaces for children to play is crucial for our communities,” Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, said.

“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.”