Four west central schools receive grants for playground upgrades

By Ian MacKay

Four west-central Saskatchewan schools are receiving grants for playgrounds.

Outlook Elementary, Luseland, and Macklin schools are receiving the maximum amount of $50,000. Westcliffe School at Marengo gets $25,000, a document showed.

Grants match what parents and volunteer school councils raise to build new playgrounds or add or replace equipment for existing ones.

Over 40 schools were approved for the province's School Playground Equipment Grant in 2025. The program started this past fall.

Groups associated with schools have until Feb. 28 to apply in the next round, a Parks, Culture and Sport Department statement said.

"Playgrounds play such an important role in the early development and formative years for children," Alana Ross, the department minister, said in the statement.

The program will distribute up to $3.75 million annually over the next four years on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s open to parent and community groups affiliated with publicly funded schools, who may apply once a year, the statement said.

"The volunteer community councils and parent groups are the true catalysts behind these projects, all for the betterment and wellbeing of their schools, neighbourhoods, and communities," said Darcy McLeod, president of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, which administers the program. People may see guidelines and apply on the association’s website.

Officials estimate the program will help about 75 projects each year.

It’s open to school councils and community groups affiliated with school divisions, First Nation schools, and publicly funded schools, including separate, Francophone, and a range of independent schools.

New equipment must meet Canadian Standards Association standards and be accessible to the community at all times. Registered independent schools, home-based education programs, daycare centres, municipalities, and First Nation communities not responsible for a school playground are not eligible.

Eligible expenses must be incurred between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2027. Groups must keep receipts or other supporting documents to provide upon request for audit purposes.

Anybody reapplying “in future granting periods will only be considered after all new applicants have been evaluated during that intake,” a document said.