December 7, 2011
No Monkeying Around: More Funding For School Playgrounds

RICHMOND – Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) at two public schools in Richmond are receiving a total of $80,000 in reimbursements for playground equipment. The funding is part of nearly $2.4 million to reimburse PACs throughout the province that recently purchased playground equipment for their kids with funds they raised.

The following schools in School District 38 (Richmond) will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:

  • Hamilton Elementary ($50,000)
  • General Currie Elementary ($30,000)

Why this matters:

  • This reimbursement recognizes PACs for their hard work and commitment to students.
  • This money is part of the $8-million over two years that Premier Christy Clark announced in September for new playgrounds, reimbursements, and playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.
  • School districts were asked to identify schools that had purchased adventure-style playground equipment using PAC-raised funds since January 1, 2011, which was eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Quotes:

Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East:
“So many dedicated men and women give time and energy by serving on Parent Advisory Councils at their children’s schools. It’s fabulous to see the province honour their dedication by reimbursing the money they raised for playgrounds and making their children happy at the same time.”

Rob Howard, MLA for Richmond Centre:
“The proof of a job well done when it comes to a school playground is whether the kids enjoy using it. The happy faces at General Currie Elementary show the parents did an outstanding job.”

John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston:
“Playgrounds help children develop a love of physical activity, laying a foundation for healthy choices in the future. Active kids also learn better, so reimbursing PACs for the money they raised will pay off in terms of better educational and health outcomes.”

Quick Facts:

  • Based on school district input there are 102 public elementary and middle schools that are eligible to receive a reimbursement towards PAC playground contributions. This spans across 31 school districts.
  • Each PAC was eligible to receive up to a maximum of $50,000 depending on how much they contributed to the project.
  • School districts will be reimbursed directly by the Ministry of Education, and will be responsible for ensuring their PACs are reimbursed appropriately.
  • The first round of funding supported 40 new playgrounds for elementary and middle schools that were identified as not having a playground but wanting one, for a total of $2 million.
  • The final phase of the playground program will see approximately $3.6 million being distributed for high-priority playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.

Learn More:

Visit Linda’s website at www.lindareidmla.bc.ca
Visit Rob’s website at www.robhowardmla.bc.ca
Visit John’s website at www.johnyapmla.bc.ca

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