Yarmouth students and community members will soon be able to enjoy a new playground with a provincial grant announced today, September 17.
"Well-designed play spaces are important for encouraging physical activity, nurturing social interaction and sparking children's imaginations," said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and MLA for Argyle, on behalf of Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. "We want all children, regardless of ability, to be able to participate in outdoor activities and feel a sense of belonging while having fun."
Meadowfields Community School, serving pre-primary to Grade 5 students, received funding to support an accessible, safe and inclusive playground. It will feature connecting pathways around play structures, equipment such as spinners and swings, a visual communications board, and thoughtfully chosen heights, colours and design elements.
This community grant is part of a series of announcements taking place across the province.
Quotes:
"Our community is rural, diversely populated and has tremendous spirit and willingness to come together on projects such as the Meadowfields playground project. The school and community will benefit from this project by having access to a safe, accessible and inclusive play space that is suitable for all ages and abilities. The overwhelming community support we have received speaks to the identified need of our community. Thanks to the support of the provincial government, we received $90,000 towards our playground budget of $350,000. We are thrilled for the students, staff and community."
Linda Gallagher, committee member, Meadowfields playground project
Quick Facts:
- Meadowfields Community School, part of the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education, received a grant of $90,000
- the Province's accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how the government will achieve its goal of an accessible province by providing people with disabilities equitable access to programs, services, information and infrastructure
Additional Resources:
- Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage grants and programs: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future
- Online grant finder tool: https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-grants-offered-through-department-communities-culture-tourism-and-heritage
- Access by Design 2030: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design