New accessible playground coming to New Westminster school

Students at École Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School should see a new accessible playground in the coming school year.

Lord Tweedsmuir was the single New Westminster elementary school to quality for recently announced provincial playground funding for the 2022/23 school year.

Each school gets $165,000 for a new, accessible playground that uses “universal design” principles to make sure it’s inclusive for all elementary-aged students regardless of ability.

“Access to playgrounds tremendously benefits families, children with diverse abilities and disabilities, and is a perfect example of how we can create more inclusive communities,” said Andrea Sinclair, president of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, in a press release. “Parents appreciate the playground equipment program, as it eases pressure to fundraise and ensures accessible playgrounds are part of the school community.”

The Tweedsmuir playground is one of 30 being funded in 24 school districts around B.C. with $5 million in newly announced funding from the Ministry of Education.

School District 40 also received playground funding last year, for École Herbert Spencer Elementary School.

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