Two Richmond elementary schools have been selected to receive provincial funding for new playgrounds this year.
James Gilmore Elementary and William Bridge Elementary are among the list of 40 B.C. schools to receive a funding of $125,000 each towards purchasing new playgrounds.
The investment is a $25,000 increase for each playground from last year’s investment through the Playground Equipment Program (PEP), according to the media statement.
“Now more than ever, outdoor play is incredibly important for our kids,” said Rob Fleming, minister of education, in a statement, adding that he is “proud” that B.C. students have access to safe and modern outdoor playgrounds because of these investments.
“The PEP relieves parents of the burden of fundraising for playground equipment, so they can focus on their kids."
The government has invested $15 million, which has provided 141 new playgrounds to schools throughout the province, since PEP was launched in 2018.
Furthermore, according to the statement, each school district in B.C. now has received “at least one new playground.”
School districts have the opportunity to apply for the funding by sending a list of priorities in their capital plan submissions in June each year.
“Priority is given to schools where there is no playground at all, then to schools where the existing playground is aging.”
School districts who did not receive funding this year can reapply next year.
