WA will contribute $2 million over four years to assist schools to provide students with modern, stimulating and safe playground equipment.
Education Minister Liz Constable said the program would revitalise play areas in more than 50 schools, over the next two years.
“It is vital for children to have appropriate play equipment to increase their physical fitness, help them develop motor skills and increase their upper and lower body strength,” Dr Constable said.
“Being active is one of the most important factors for developing and maintaining good health in children. Fun and exciting playground equipment really encourages active play.”
With research showing too many children failed to get enough exercise and many were overweight, new equipment was necessary to encourage activity during class breaks, the Minister said.
“Well designed playground equipment also provides children with a range of learning experiences and helps to stimulate their imagination,” she said.
“This funding will help those P&Cs which might have found it difficult to raise the money needed to ensure children had adequate play equipment.”
The first round of 27 schools will this October receive $20000 for equipment, with the second round of 25 schools receiving funding in 2012.
Expressions of interests for the third and fourth years will be called for in 2013.
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