| March 25, 2009 BURNABY – Children will benefit from new and updated playground equipment at five Burnaby schools thanks to provincial funding of $83,000 in community gaming grants this year. “School playgrounds are important centres of social activity,” says Burquitlam MLA Harry Bloy. “They are also important for building healthier communities. Refurbishing these playgrounds across Burnaby means we are providing safe recreational facilities that will keep our children physically active and healthy.” “I am pleased to see this investment in the health and safety of our children,” says Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney. “Instilling a love of exercise in young children will help to lay the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and healthy living.” “Encouraging our children to play is very important,” says Burnaby-North MLA Richard T. Lee. “It benefits them both in their physical and mental development. I am proud to see these grants going to improve the safety of the playground equipment at schools such as Gilmore Community School.” Because of the work of Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) and community volunteers, gaming grant funding for playground refurbishment was awarded as follows:
A call for applications was made last fall for the second round of grants, and successful applicants were determined based on their demonstrated need. Priority was given to schools that did not have existing playground equipment, and to schools that have the support of their local authority for the installation of equipment. Last year, eligibility requirements for playground grants offered through the community gaming grant program were revised, allowing for more schools to take advantage of the new criteria. Now, schools that do not have a functioning parent advisory council (PAC) can have a service club or organization apply on the behalf of the school’s students. In addition, the matching funds requirement has been eliminated. The maximum grant a PAC or service club can receive through the playground grant program is $20,000. Grants must be used to develop new or renovate existing school playgrounds including replacing old or purchasing new equipment. In order to be eligible for the program, the school must teach the provincial curriculum to its students. Funding for playground grants is part of the $152 million that approximately 6,800 community organizations shared in fiscal 2008/09 from gaming revenues. For guidelines and information on community gaming grants, including playground grants, please visit http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/news/index.htm. -30- | Select an area of government services from the drop-down list below for more information on how we may be able to assist you.
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