Three School District 43 schools will receive $105,000 each from the province to build accessible playgrounds.

Education Minister Rob Fleming announced $5 million in Playground Equipment Program (PEP) funding for 50 playgrounds across British Columbia with 30 of them being “universally accessible playgrounds.” They include Central community school in Port Coquitlam, Pleasantside elementary in Port Moody and Eagle Mountain middle school in Anmore.

In the initial $5 million PEP program announced in May 2018, 51 schools in the province received funding including $105,000 for Port Moody middle school.

Priority is given to schools currently without a playground, and then to those where the existing playground is aging.

“As a parent, I understand first-hand how tough it can be for schools and parents to find the time and volunteers to fundraise for playground equipment and activities,” said Fleming at a press conference in Burnaby to announce the funding. 

“Our government is committed to improving the learning environment at B.C. schools — safe, fun and accessible playgrounds are very much part of delivering on this commitment. And to make this happen, parents should not have to become dedicated fundraisers in their spare time.”