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New playgrounds for local school

New playgrounds for local schools

Mar 18, 2019 | 11:20 AM

Some local kids will soon have a new playground to play in while at school .

The B.C Ministry of Education announced Friday that 50 new playgrounds will be built in 34 districts across the province.

The provincial government says it is all part of their Playground Equipment Program which is shelling out $5 million towards building play structures that are safe, fun and accessible.

“As a parent, I understand first-hand how tough it can be for schools and parents to find the time and volunteers to fundraise for playground equipment and activities,” said Fleming. “Our government is committed to improving the learning environment at B.C. schools — safe, fun and accessible playgrounds are very much part of delivering on this commitment. And to make this happen, parents should not have to become dedicated fundraisers in their spare time,” said B.C Education Minister Rob Flemming in a press release.

Len Wood Middle School in Armstrong will be receiving $90,000 from the province to build a new playground.

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Two schools in the Central Okanagan School District have also qualified for some funding. Rutland Elementary School in Kelowna and Shannon Lake Elementary school in West Kelowna have each been awarded $105,000 from the province to build accessible playgrounds for students.

The province says districts can apply for funding each year by including it in their list of priorities for capital funding in June.

Schools without a playground or with an aging playground receive first priority by the province.

The Ministry says they hope to finish building the new playgrounds by Fall 2019.