Saskatchewan Launches School Playground Equipment Grant Program

The provincial government of Saskatchewan has opened applications for its new School Playground Equipment Grant program, aiming to enhance outdoor play areas in schools across the Prince Albert region. This initiative allows eligible projects to receive up to $50,000 in matching funds for the construction of new playgrounds or the enhancement of existing ones.

Neil Finch, Director of Education for the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, confirmed the division’s outreach to schools regarding this grant. “We are in the initial stages with this, and schools will decide if they apply for this grant or not,” he stated, emphasizing the autonomy of individual schools in the application process.

Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, highlighted the government’s commitment to enriching outdoor spaces. “The province is investing $3.75 million annually over the next four years to enrich outdoor play spaces throughout Saskatchewan,” she noted. This program supports the vital contributions of volunteer school community councils and parent groups, who work tirelessly to create safe and accessible playgrounds for children.

The application window will be open from September 9, 2023, to February 25, 2024, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be administered in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), which plays a crucial role in facilitating these initiatives.

Darcy McLeod, President of the SPRA, stressed the importance of playgrounds as essential spaces for community health. “Investments like the School Playground Equipment Grant help instill the importance of play and physical literacy in our children and youth, which in turn will build a more active future for our province,” he said, reflecting the program’s broader impact on community well-being.

The grant is available to school community councils and parent groups associated with publicly funded schools, which include various types such as public, separate, Francophone, and First Nations schools. Full eligibility criteria and the online application can be accessed through the SPRA website.

As schools consider applying for this funding, the initiative underscores a significant step toward improving children’s play environments in Saskatchewan, fostering community involvement and enhancing the physical health of students.

Inquiries made by paNOW to the Prince Albert Catholic School Division for further commentary were not returned by the publication deadline.