A pair of schools in the Wainwright area are receiving some extra funding for new playgrounds.
The Buffalo Trail School Division is receiving two grants of $250,000 for playgrounds at the E.H. Walter School in Paradise Valley and the Irma School in Irma. Alberta Education provides grants of up to $250,000 to support the construction of new playgrounds and any project exceeding that amount will have to be supplemented through fundraising.
“It is crucial, now more than ever, to help projects like these move ahead for schools and communities during these challenging times,” says Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange. “Playgrounds are extremely important to local communities and provide a place for all children to explore, develop and have fun.”
Twenty-six playgrounds in 18 school divisions across the province are getting funding coming from the existing capital budget.
“We are pleased to see this additional money for playgrounds not previously funded,” says President of Alberta School Councils’ Association Brandi Rai. “ASCA members support government funding for playground facilities. Physical activity and social interaction are essential in student development and well-being.”
Alberta Education says grant funding is still available to schools who have not received the playground grant through the Community Facility Enhancement Program.