Kirkbride, Sullivan and École Riverdale Elementary receive funding for new accessible playgrounds

The B.C. government is providing funding for new playgrounds at Surrey’s Kirkbride Elementary, Sullivan Elementary and École Riverdale Elementary, as part of its Playground Equipment Program (PEP).

The three elementary schools are among 30 schools from across the province receiving $165,000 each towards safe, accessible, inclusive playgrounds to be built over the next year. The new play areas will support accessibility for students by including components such as ground cover, ramps and transfer platforms that connect to play structures.

“Daily physical exercise works hand-in-hand with mental stimulation in the classroom to make up healthy development for children of all ages,” said Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “These new playgrounds will benefit our students by providing an outlet to build friendships, work together through play and support their growth in the great outdoors.”

Last year, the B.C. government supported new playgrounds for Senator Reid Elementary and T.E. Scott Elementary.

The provincial funding also relieves school PACs (Parent Advisory Councils) of some of the responsibility for fundraising for playground equipment. Playgrounds are funded based on need and priority is given to schools without playgrounds, followed by schools with aging playgrounds.

For more information on the PEP, click here.