Elementary schools increasingly in need of financial assistance for playground fundraising

A rendering of Hyland Elementary's new playground, for which the school's PAC has fundraised $65,000 out of a goal of $220,000. A number of Surrey Schools are in need of new playgrounds and PACs are increasingly seeking financial assistance through donations in order to afford the significant costs of playground replacement.

Play is an integral and fundamental component of child development, but as a growing number of school playgrounds are in need of replacement, Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) are faced with expensive fundraising costs as they try to close a critical gap for children and families.

This past school year, the district’s Office of Advancement has seen an increase in schools requesting financial assistance for playgrounds. While the office supports schools and PACs in establishing fundraising plans and ideas, securing funding for all of the costs of projects in need can be challenging.

“The full replacement of a playground that ensures safe and accessible features for all students has a cost of about $200,000,” said Vanessa Seco, manager of Major Gifts & Endowments. “If you consider that anywhere between 500 to 1,000 students are using it every day for 20 years, the cost is only about $20 to $40 per year, per student, which is a really good investment on student health and creativity.”

Playgrounds play a vital role not only in providing play options for children while at school, but also serve as community hubs for families and children of all ages. While the Ministry of Education and Child Care funds playground for new schools, PACs are largely on their own if they need to expand or replace their playground.

Current Schools in Need

For Hyland Elementary in Newton, the need for a new playground is urgent: the existing structure has reached the end of its functional life and will be removed this summer. While the PAC has worked tirelessly to raise $65,000 through various events, community donations and a grant from the City of Surrey, there is still a gap of more than $150,000 to reach their goal of $220,000.

Several other schools are also in immediate need of funding for playgrounds:

• City Central Learning Centre is set to reopen as an elementary school in the 2025-26 school year and will need a playground by opening day.
• A.H.P. Matthew Elementary’s playground is scheduled for removal in July 2025. The playground plays a pivotal role in the community and has been essential for local recreation and engagement.
• Georges Vanier Elementary is removing a slide and replacing it with a bigger structure, valued at $85,000.
• Cougar Creek Elementary’s PAC is fundraising for a playground replacement this year.

(Replacing playgrounds is further complicated by rising material costs, land preparation expenses and extensive competing needs for school funds being raised for field trips or extra computer equipment). 

How You Can Help

The district’s Office of Advancement happily accepts donations to playgrounds for all schools in the district and welcomes contributions from individuals, companies, corporations, businesses and foundations.

Donations can be made online or by emailing donations@surreyschools.ca. Surrey Schools is a registered Canadian Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and every donation above $20 is eligible for a tax receipt.

“Playground donations have a lasting impact on children, families, schools and Surrey communities,” said Seco. “Every dollar helps. It takes a community to build a playground.”

For more information, please contact Vanessa Seco at 604-595-6074 or email donations@surreyschools.ca. To donate online or learn about other ways to contribute, visit the Ways to Give page.