Reading, writing and play are coming to playgrounds in Lumby and Cherryville.
The White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee will spend up to $3,000 for the Literacy at Play program in Oval and Hanson parks.
“We’re trying to encourage literacy among youth, but not specifically youth,” said Tannis Nelson, the Regional District of North Okanagan’s community development co-ordinator.
A delegation recently asked the WVPRCAC to support Literacy at Play, which incorporates foundational reading experiences into play spaces that help develop literacy skills.
In many cases, the program consists of words, sentences or games being placed on to playground equipment.
“The words engage parents when they are out with their children,” said Nelson.
The two areas that will be focused on are the playground and park area at Oval Park in Lumby and Hanson Park in Cherryville.
The issue has been discussed with the Cherryville Community Club, which oversees Hanson Park.
“The group decided that vinyl applications would be the most effective and researched a product that would hold up well in the elements and under the regular use they would see in the playground environment,” said Nelson.
