Earlier in the day, the province announced that it was giving $192,000 to build or improve playgrounds at eight schools in Halifax Regional Municipality. "Research tells us that active children are more likely to grow up to be active adults," Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet said. "It is important that we provide our young people with safe and accessible places to play."
Across the harbour at St. Stephen’s in Halifax’s north end, another group of parents and teachers have also been raising money for a new playground. They too had not heard how much provincial cash was coming their way. "That is really good news," principal Kathy Henning said when told about $30,000 earmarked for her school. St. Stephen’s has never had play structures and the city recently removed the only public play equipment in the neighbourhood because it was no longer safe, Ms. Henning said. In September, a group of parents began a fundraising effort to improve the playground. "I really have to give credit to the incredible group of parents," Ms. Henning said. This summer, the school plans to construct two accessible play areas at a cost of nearly $120,000. The equipment will be used by the more than 200 students at St. Stephen’s and by the entire community,  Ms. Henning said.
The funding announced Tuesday comes from the province’s $3-million recreation facility development program.