B.C.'s Ministry of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare was present for the official opening of new accessible playgrounds at Heath Elementary earlier today (Dec 10).
The two playgrounds, located to the south and west of the school, were made possible after the school received a $195,000 grant through the provincial government's Playground Equipment Program earlier this year. Both playground areas enable inclusive play by creating a multi-faceted, sensory-rich play space where children, regardless of abilities, ages, stages, needs or preferences, can enjoy unstructured outdoor play. The playground incorporates ground level and elevated physical, sensory-rich, cognitive, and social play elements, with the aim of maximizing a rewarding play experience for every child.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, a ceremony was held inside the gymnasium for all students to celebrate the new playgrounds. Grade 7 students Rayan and Sukhreet emceed the event, while students Samarvir (grade 1), Dhwani (grade 2) and Ravneet (grade 3) shared their thoughts on the new playgrounds.
The ribbon cutting event was also attended by Joe Muego, Chair of the Delta Board of Education, Val Windsor, Vice-Chair, Delta Board of Education, Doug Sheppard, Superintendent of Schools, Nicola Christ, Secretary-Treasurer, Brad Bauman, Assistant Superintendent, Jane Gray, Assistant Superintendent, Florencio De Dios, Director of Facilities and Planning, Kelly Reeve, Principal at Heath Elementary, Sukhi Dherari, Procurement Manager and Laura Cole, Grounds Foreperson.
"Playgrounds are more than just equipment they're places where kids make friends, stay active, and build confidence," says Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. "These new playgrounds at Heath Elementary are great examples of how we're investing in safe, inclusive spaces for children to learn and play. Through the Playground Equipment Program, our government is reducing the need for parent fundraising and ensuring every child has access to quality outdoor spaces."
"Playgrounds are essential to encouraging kids to engage in physical activity for kids, to learn how to share and to develop life skills such as conflict resolution. We were grateful to receive funding for the playgrounds at Heath prior to the summer break and are thrilled that we were able to get the playground installed and open to students so quickly," said Joe Muego, Chair of the Delta Board of Education.
"Playgrounds are safe spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional, and imaginative skills necessary to gain self-confidence, improve coordination, and advance critical thinking capabilities. Spending time outside playing also helps students to focus when they return to the classroom as playground time gives children's brains a break and helps them stay on task. These benefits are key to achieving the district's Vision of making Delta School District an innovative, inclusive community where all learners belong, and everyone soars."
Thanks were expressed to all those who contributed to the project's success - a project that will serve not only Heath Elementary's students, but also the entire local community.
About the Playground
The BC Government announced funding for the new, accessible playground at Heath Elementary through its Playground Equipment Program in June 2024.
The playground features equipment that incorporates the following elements:
- Physical Play creates opportunities to climb, clamber, slide, hang, brachiate (move hand over hand), balance, etc. This builds strength, agility, co-ordination and promotes physical literacy. It includes climbing areas, monkey bars and balancing components.
- Sensory-Rich Play engages various senses, including auditory, visual, and tactile as well as the vestibular system and proprioceptive awareness. It includes pieces that supply motion, and components featuring various materials and textures.
- Social Play and Parallel Play facilitates connection and interaction between children and includes game panels for multiple users and components arranged side by side.
- Creative/Cognitive Play involves thinking, manipulating or problem solving. Examples include interactive play panels and objects that involve cause and effect.
