B.C. has announced $10 million for 60 new playgrounds in school districts around the province.

The province is doubling its annual investment in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) to help schools design playgrounds that better support accessibility for all students.

“We cannot underestimate the vital link between play and learning. Students are more focused in class when outdoor play is part of their school routine, and they learn important life skills like co-operation and patience while improving their major motor skills,” said Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside. “Doubling our playground fund investment helps support students, staff, families and communities, and takes the fundraising burden off parents so they can spend more time playing with their children.”

The funding for each project has been increased by $40,000 to a total of $165,000 to better support accessible components – like ground cover, ramps and/or transfer platforms that connect to the play structure – to ensure a place for all students to play.

“Parents are truly appreciative of the Playground Equipment Program, which relieves some of the burden placed upon parent advisory council parents who would have had little choice but to spend copious hours fundraising. All playgrounds must have accessible and inclusive equipment for children to enjoy. For many schools in our province, this means having to upgrade or even replace aging playground structures. Parents strongly believe that accessible programs or structures should never be dependent on the individual school’s ability to fundraise,” said Andrea Sinclair, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils.

Playgrounds are funded based on greatest need. Priority is given to schools where there is no playground at all, then to schools where the existing playground is aging. School districts that did not receive funding this year may reapply next year.

The new playgrounds are expected to be built within the next year.