After years of parents ensuring schools have playgrounds, there’s a new source of funds.
The provincial government will direct $25,000 to Harwood Elementary and $50,000 to Alexis Park Elementary for the installation of new playground equipment.
“Look at how much fun the kids have. They are out in the air and getting a little exercise,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, while at both schools Wednesday.
Foster admits previous financial responsibility for playgrounds has been with parent advisory councils, which have had to fundraise.
“We’re encouraging kids to be healthy and if we want that, we have to come to the table,” he said.
Bill Turanski, Vernon School District chairperson, is pleased to see a change in government policy.
“They’ve been struggling to provide equipment,” he said of PACs.
An additional $3.3 million in playground funding is being provided to 80 schools across B.C. This is the final phase of an $8 million commitment made last September to playgrounds.
At Harwood, the new equipment will be in addition to the existing play area.
“We’re a growing school and part of that growth is we have four kindergarten classes (two French immersion and two English),” said principal Brian Smyth.
“When there are 88 kindergarten students out, there’s not quite enough equipment.”
The $50,000 will help replace a second piece of equipment that is in poor shape at Alexis Park.
“What a wonderful gift this is for the children at Alexis Park and the community who will, no doubt, use it,” said principal Jennifer Gardner.
