Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
We are fundraising for a new inclusive, accessible playground to replace the existing playground at the north end of the school.
Why are we doing this?
Recess is a big part of every school day, and not every child gets to take part in it the same way. Some students use mobility equipment. Others have sensory, developmental or learning differences, and many of these are not visible. An inclusive playground is designed so every child can get to the equipment, use it, and play alongside their friends.
Getting onto a playground is only part of inclusion. The layout matters too, so accessible features are spread throughout the space rather than tucked into one corner. A well-designed inclusive playground offers:
- Physical access, such as ramps, transfer points and stable surfaces
- Sensory features, such as colours, textures and sounds
- Developmental features, such as activity panels, motion-based play and cozy retreat spaces
- A mix of play types: climbing and sliding, creative problem solving, quiet time alone or with a friend, and social play
The benefit reaches beyond students. The Province notes that accessible playgrounds create inclusive places where families and neighbours can connect outside of school hours. A playground that works for everyone is a better gathering place for our whole community, including siblings, caregivers and neighbours of all abilities.
What stage are we at?
Early planning. We are talking to other schools that have recently upgraded their playgrounds to learn what the process involves. Any playground project goes through the school administration and the North Vancouver School District, so we are working with them as we plan.
How long will it take?
We don’t know yet. It takes time to fundraise and organize, so we expect this to be a multi-year project. For context, the Ridgeway Elementary PAC in North Vancouver described their playground as the result of three years of work, collaboration and fundraising before breaking ground in 2021. Vancouver School District’s guide for PACs also notes that projects typically take about a year from proposal to completion once funding is fully secured
How much will it cost?
We don’t know yet. The total will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, not the tens. For comparison, Surrey Schools estimates that fully replacing a safe, accessible playground costs about $200,000. Ridgeway PAC raised almost $200,000 for its playground, plus in-kind donations. Our number will depend on the equipment, surfacing and site work we choose.
How much do we actually need to fundraise?
We don’t know yet. We are exploring every avenue to bring that number down, including provincial funding, grants and awards, business donations, community donations, and school fundraisers like our Halloween Costume Sale.
One example: the Province runs a Playground Equipment Program for accessible playgrounds. School districts apply each year, and the North Vancouver School District can put forward up to three projects annually. Grants have also helped other local schools. Ridgeway and Lynn Valley Elementary’s inclusive surfacing was supported by a Tire Stewardship BC grant.
If you know of a grant, a business that supports community projects, or anyone we should talk to, please let us know.
How can I help?
Please fill out the survey. We want to make sure what we build is what our school and community want and need: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzcJHFiTVQQkhO60MK5SsosZ5epmOztGI5ezpW4PLR9mCkdg/viewform
Don’t want to fill out the survey but have something to say or an idea to share? Email us at rossroadplayground@gmail.com
Who should I contact with questions?
rossroadplayground@gmail.com
We will update this page regularly as we get new information. We realize there is not much information available yet, so please contact us with any questions, comments or concerns.
