Despite enjoying the new accessible playground at Richardson Elementary since early fall this year, students were still thrilled to witness its official opening this week and take an active part in the celebration.
Made possible by a $165,000 grant from the provincial government’s Playground Equipment Program, the universally accessible playground fosters inclusive play, providing a multi-faceted, sensory-rich environment where children of all abilities, ages, needs and preferences can engage in unstructured outdoor play, according to a school district press release.
The B.C. government announced funding for the accessible playground in April 2022. The playground aims to offer a rewarding experience for every child by incorporating elements such as physical play, motion play, sensory-rich play, imaginative and pretend play, social play and parallel play, creative/cognitive play and quiet retreat play.
A special ceremony was held in the school’s gymnasium for students on Tuesday (Dec. 12). Grade seven student Neha and Grade six student Tayyaba emceed the event, while Grade three students Ridhay, Cleo and Adelynn and Grade two student Aarav expressed their gratitude.
The ribbon-cutting event drew special guests, including Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon.
“In order to have vibrant and healthy communities, we need to continue to invest in community amenities such as parks and playgrounds,” Kahlon said, noting Richardson is the fourth playground in North Delta that the government has invested in since he took office.
“Today’s investment continues our commitment to parents and children by providing them safe, accessible, and fun playground equipment for them to enjoy.”
Delta school board vice-chair Joe Muego, as well as trustee Nick Kanakos, assistant district superintendent Brad Bauman and school principal Patricia Wilson were also in attendance.
“Playgrounds are safe spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional, and imaginative skills necessary to gain self-confidence, improve coordination, and advance critical thinking capabilities,” Muego said. “They help students learn to be citizens through play, sharing and collaboration. The importance of giving our students a safe place to do just that cannot be overstated.”