Accessible Upgrades Coming to Pinecrest Elementary Playground

School District 72 has secured grant funding to improve accessibility at the Pinecrest Elementary playground, building on ongoing work to create more inclusive spaces for students across the district.

The district will receive $19,328.21 from Tire Stewardship BC through its Community Grant Program to support the installation of rubber surfacing at the school’s playground. With matching funds from the school district’s annual facilities grant, the upgrade is expected to cover a significant portion of the playground surface.

The project was identified and supported by the district’s Accessibility Committee, which continues to advance practical improvements that remove barriers for students and families.

Opened in January 2024, the Pinecrest playground was built through provincial funding and more than a decade of fundraising by the school’s parent advisory council. It has since become a well-used space for students and the broader community. 

“While we are incredibly proud of what we accomplished, our vision was always to create a fully inclusive and accessible play space for all children,” said Jayme Johnson, Pinecrest PAC president. 

“Due to budget limitations, we were only able to install Engineered Wood Fiber surfacing rather than the fully accessible recycled rubber safety surfacing we had hoped for. This has left a gap in accessibility for children with mobility challenges, limiting their ability to safely and independently enjoy the playground.”

The planned upgrade will now replace sections of the existing wood surface with durable rubber surfacing made from recycled materials, creating a smoother, more stable surface for wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility aids. 

Principal Jolene Krell is grateful to Tire Stewardship BC and says the upgrade supports the school’s focus on inclusion and student well-being.

“By transitioning to a seamless, rubberized surface, we are not just upgrading the ground surface; we are removing a barrier to belonging,” she said. “Play is the ‘work’ of childhood and level surfacing allows all children to participate… alongside their peers.” 

“This upgrade will transform our playground into a truly welcoming environment for all, reflecting the values of equity, inclusion, and community care,” Johnson added.

Planning for the project is now underway, with the rubberized surface to be installed late summer/early fall.