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Funding announced for accessible playground at North Delta’s Heath Elementary

School district receiving $195,000 grant via the provincial government’s Playground Equipment Program
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Funding for an accessible playground at North Delta’s Jarvis Traditional Elementary was announced in September of 2021, and the new structure officially opened in January of 2023. On June 4, 2024, the province announced $195,000 to build an accessible playground at nearby Heath Traditional Elementary. (James Smith/North Delta Reporter photo)

The Delta School District is getting $195,000 to build a new accessible playground at Heath Traditional Elementary.

The province announced the funding on Tuesday, June 29, with Heath one of 26 schools across as many districts selected to receive money for new accessible playgrounds to be designed, built and installed over the next year.

Each project is receiving the same amount, totalling a $5.07-million investment through the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Playground Equipment Program.

A release from the ministry notes playgrounds promote physical activity for kids, teach social skills like sharing, and help children develop life skills such as conflict resolution.

“Playgrounds enhance our kids’ well-being,” Education Minister Rachna Singh said in a press release. “These are spaces where children can truly be themselves, where they express their joy and learn valuable social skills. Our government is thrilled to ensure communities throughout the province gain better access to modern playgrounds for everyone’s benefit.”

North Delta’s Heath Traditional is one of two schools in the city receiving funding; the other is École Du Bois-Joli, a public French-language elementary in Tsawwassen under the jurisdiction of the province’s Conseil Scolaire Francophone (Francophone School District).

The Delta School District has previously received funding for now-completed accessible playgrounds at four North Delta schools: Chalmers Elementary, Jarvis Traditional Elementary, McCloskey Elementary and Richardson Elementary.

“Our kids’ most important job should be learning and having fun” Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon said in a press release. “And with this funding for a fifth accessible playground in Delta, kids at Health Traditional Elementary School will be able to continue to do so.”

Last year, the province invested $5 million towards 25 new school playgrounds, of which 20 are already complete and the rest close to being ready.

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James Smith

About the Author: James Smith

James Smith is the founding editor of the North Delta Reporter.
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