September 2, 2011
Play On: Wonowon Elementary Scores Playground Funding

FORT ST. JOHN – Students at Wonowon Elementary School will soon have the opportunity to explore a brand-new playground, as Premier Christy Clark announced today $8 million over two years to support new, upgraded or replaced school playgrounds in the province.

Why this matters:

• Wonowon Elementary School will be receiving $50,000 for a new playground, after being identified by School District 60 as not having a playground and wanting one.
• Public elementary and middle schools in B.C. are eligible for the playground funding, which will ensure that every public elementary school and every middle school that wants one, gets a playground for their students.
• In addition, school districts have been asked to identify recently installed playgrounds that are eligible for reimbursement, and to prioritize those that require upgrades or replacements. Remaining funds will cover as many of those projects as possible.

Quote:

“Physical activity is an important part in every child’s learning and there is no better way of achieving that activity than in a school playground. This is great news for the children and their families in Wonowon.”
-Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm

Quick Facts:

• Forty-four public elementary and middle schools in B.C. are receiving $50,000 for a new playground. Remaining funds will support more than a hundred upgraded, replaced or recently installed playgrounds in the province.
• To ensure every public elementary school has a playground for students from the time they open, the Ministry of Education will be amending their capital project agreement with school districts to ensure that the installation of playground equipment is included when building an elementary school.
• Over the past 10 years, government has spent more than $1.8 billion to complete 83 new and replacement schools, 149 school additions, 26 renovations and 22 site acquisitions across the province.
• In the same time, the Province has committed more than $3.9 billion to school capital and maintenance

Learn More:

• For more information on Education in B.C. visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/bced/
• To learn more about School District 60, visit their website: http://www.sd60.bc.ca/

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