Every student at Canyon-Lister Elementary will soon be able to access an improved playground thanks to a $195,000 Child Care Playground Equipment Program (PEP) grant from the Ministry of Education and Child Care to support inclusive and accessible playground equipment. School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) will contribute an additional $15,000 toward the project.
"We work hard to ensure that all children are included and have opportunities to be with their peers, and a fully accessible playground will allow everyone to play and explore together. With the great support of the ministry, our school Parent Advisory Council and an enthusiastic team of volunteers we are well placed to create something wonderful for everyone in our playground," said Principal Laury Carriere.
"We strive to create a caring and inclusive learning culture across our district, and Canyon-Lister's accessible playground is part of that. Children learn so much through play and I'm thankful to the Province for funding playground equipment that students of all abilities can enjoy," said Superintendent Trish Smillie.
The Canyon-Lister Elementary School playground already has an accessible saucer swing and an inclusive merry-go-round paid for through past grants, parent advisory council fundraising and various donations. The PEP grant will pay for new playground equipment that is permanently fixed on site and includes appropriate ground cover for fall protection, improved access, and allows for increased mobility for all students.
The Canyon-Lister Parent Advisory Council is closely involved in the playground project along with community volunteers, and the project team is currently reviewing four playground layout and equipment options. SD8 operations staff plan to install the new equipment this summer pending supplier delivery.
For more information
570 Johnstone Road
Nelson British Columbia
Canada V1L 6J2
www.sd8.bc.ca
