East Chilliwack elementary school is getting a new playground.
The provincial government is kicking in $165,000 for an area that will include accessible features like ground cover and ramps and/or transfer platforms that connect to the play structure. The playground is expected to be ready by early 2022.
Funding comes from the NDP government’s Playground Equipment Program (PEP), which was created in 2018 to reduce the fundraising burden on parents. Since its inception, the program has invested $25 million to fund 201 new playgrounds at B.C. schools.
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“It is so important that all children feel included, whether it be in the classroom or on the playground,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “As the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, as well as a former trustee and education board chair here in Chilliwack, I’m happy to see our government putting such meaningful and overdue investments into schools to make sure that all kids get the most out of them.”
At the same time, Chilliwack School District is also receiving $2,243,469 this year for projects which include HVAC upgrades at Integrated Arts and Technology and Mount Slesse middle school, and energy systems upgrades at Greendale elementary.
Three new school buses are also being added, serving Chilliwack and Chilliwack-Kent.
“The pandemic has been difficult for all of us, including our children who have been missing their regular social and school lives for over a year now,” said Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon. “These accessible playgrounds, carbon emission-reducing upgrades, and new school buses coming to our districts are going to make the return to normal that much sweeter for kids, parents and educators.”