An elementary school in Surrey will be getting its old playground replaced with a new one, which will be especially important for the students who do not have their own backyards or play spaces to enjoy.
Holly Elementary in the Guildford-area received $195,000 in funding from the B.C. Playground Equipment Program, making it one of 25 schools that is sharing in a $5 million total. It is expected to be designed, built and installed within the next year.
“Part of our current playground is already on its last legs and was being removed regardless in July – we would’ve had a big empty hole in the ground. This is huge for us to get a playground in its place in the fall,” school principal Lauretta Fenrick said in a Surrey Schools release.
The new play structure is especially exciting for students at this specific elementary school, she added.
“All of the Holly children live in apartments, none of them have backyards or play structures in their house, and even the apartment buildings nearby only have grass fields but not playgrounds.”
Students at the school will also be consulted on what how they want the playground to be. Making it accessible to all children will be a goal for the new space as well, earning the school an opportunity to discuss “why everybody needs a place to play,” Fenrick said.
Playgrounds for young children are integral in improving their emotional, mental and physical health, the release notes. They also improve conflict resolution skills, focus and self-expression.
“I announced it over the PA that we were getting a new playground and the entire school was screaming, they are so excited,” Fenrick said.
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