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Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Everyone deserves a place to play

May 25, 2022 | 3:30 PM

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A SAFE, accessible place to play.

For too long, parents across B.C. had to fundraise to pay for new playground equipment at their children’s school. Not only does fundraising cost our families valuable time, but some communities have more capacity to raise funds than others, creating inequality. Something as fundamental as a safe playground should never be dependent on a community’s ability to fundraise, but that was the reality for years under the previous government.

When New Democrats formed government, we worked to lift that burden off of parents. We created a new fund to invest at least $5 million ever year to build new playgrounds at B.C.’s elementary schools. Since then, we’ve funded over 231 new school playgrounds, benefitting more than 57,000 students.

In the Kamloops-Thompson school district, we’ve funded new playgrounds at eight elementary schools, meaning well over one thousand students are playing on safe, modern equipment. This includes Summit, Aberdeen, RJ Clemitson, Westmount, Vavenby and the École Collines D’Or, now operated by the Conseil Scolaire Francophone. Planning for new accessible playgrounds is also underway at Heffley Creek and Ralph Bell, which is slated to reopen to students in September.

Every school district in the province has now received at least one new playground through this fund, and more are on the way each and every year. Funds are distributed based on greatest need – starting with schools that have no playground at all, and then schools where the existing playground is aging.

I’m especially excited that so many of these new playgrounds are universally accessible and built to allow all kids to play together, regardless of ability. This can include features like ramps and transfer platforms. Our schools do a great job of teaching and modelling the importance of diversity and inclusivity – and with accessible playgrounds, we’re putting those lessons into action.

New playgrounds are just one way we are committed to enhancing the learning experience for all children in B.C. The BC budget invests in schools – there is $2.65 billion in provincial funding budgeted over the next three years for new and expanded schools, seismic upgrades, maintenance, playgrounds and property purchases for future schools. These investments will give students and communities modern learning facilities that will provide the inspiring and engaging environments they deserve and benefit people for generations to come.

When we invest in playgrounds and other upgrades for our schools, we’re not only improving the daily learning environment for our kids – we’re investing in their future. When children have the opportunity for active play outdoors, they build resilience, co-operation and creativity, which are all lifelong skills. Playing outside also reduces anxiety and improves attention spans, so kids are ready to learn after recess and bring their best selves to the classroom.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.