By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from The Canadian Press and LNN

Alberta directs $20 million over four years for new school playgrounds

Jun 2, 2017 | 2:55 PM

CALGARY – The province is allocating $20 million over the next four years for playgrounds for new schools with young children.

Premier Rachel Notley made the announcement in Calgary on Friday, saying playgrounds are part of a well-rounded education.

New schools for students in kindergarten to Grade 6, including the planned school for south Lethbridge, will be eligible for grants up to $250,000.

The grants will be retroactive to 2014, so that more than 50 previously announced schools will be eligible.

Notley says the playgrounds go beyond just the children, as parents meet and form relationships while they watch their kids at play, and playgrounds become focal points for strong communities.

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School communities that want to build a playground that costs more than the $250,000 provided, will have the option of fundraising to supplement the project. New schools that receive the Education playground grant will not be eligible for other provincial grants that support playground construction.

If a community wants to upgrade or replace an existing playground, they are able to apply for the Community Facility Enhancement Program grant offered through Culture and Tourism. This was the case with Lethbridge Agnes Davidson Elementary school, which received a $250,000 grant on May 30.

by Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from The Canadian Press and LNN

Alberta directs $20 million over four years for new school playgrounds

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