Cache Creek Elementary School is one of 10 province-wide finalists in this year’s BCAA Play Here initiative. The school has moved forward into the final round, where three winners will each receive up to $100,000 for a playground revitalization, and it is now up to the public to vote for the winners.
The goal of BCAA Play Here is to give children in B.C. better places to play. Dozens of nominations were received before the April 15 deadline, with Cache Creek Elementary making the final cut after being nominated by CCES Kindergarten teacher Millie Cumming. The public can now vote, as many as four different ways each day between now and June 17. The winners will be announced on June 21.
The submission for CCES notes that while the school grounds are spacious, they are “dismally” empty, with the last additions to the playground being made 11 years ago. The goal is to see fruit trees, gardens, spaces for growing and learning about local plants, and play spaces that feel and look natural and encourage creative play. The space is used during school hours, and it’s hoped that it can be turned into a place that can be enjoyed by children and families at all times, not just during the school day.
“Our school has been focusing on integrating green initiatives, sustainability, and local cultural knowledge into our everyday practices,” the submission reads. “Initiatives such as gardening, outdoor exploration, and learning through play have a key role in this plan.”
The impact on the community of recent flooding and fires is also noted, as is the damage to the school grounds by floodwater and the fact that the school has twice served as an operations base for emergency services. “The spaces that we could create for families and children would give a sense of hope, and provide something positive for Cache Creek and area residents.”
BCAA’s Play Here initiative began in 2016, with the Lilloooet REC Centre and Torquay Elementary School in Victoria each receiving the top prize; in 2017 Marion Schilling Elementary school in Kamloops was a winner. The official site notes that “If it’s a place where kids can spend their time and develop valuable life skills, we want to hear about how it can be improved to make it a better place for kids to play!”
You can vote each day until June 17 using Facebook, Twitter, Google, and/or email at https://www.bcaaplayhere.com/. Participants must be 19 years or older to vote.
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