The Manitoba government is investing $100,000 through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund to support the development of a new playground at Lavallee School in the Louis Riel School Division, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced on August 24.
"The Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund is helping schools move forward on important projects that directly benefit students," said Schmidt. "By working with school divisions and prioritizing projects based on need, we are helping ensure Manitoba children have safe and welcoming spaces to be active, play and connect with their peers."
The Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund was introduced in Budget 2026 with a total investment of $3 million to support playground construction and replacement at public schools in Manitoba. The fund is intended to reduce financial pressure on school divisions and parent advisory councils while supporting safe, accessible and high-quality play environments for students.
"We know how important spaces like this are for children, and every child deserves a safe and accessible place to play," said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses, who attended an event at the school on August 24. "Our government is proud to be making this investment in Lavallee School because we know it will make a real difference in the well-being of the children in St Vital."
Lavallee School is one of 43 playground projects being supported through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund and existing project budgets. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning received 83 funding requests from 30 school divisions, with projects assessed through a provincewide scoring process. Funding covers 75 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
"When we invest in spaces where children can play, connect and be active together, we are investing in their overall well-being," said Jackie Connell, superintendent, Louis Riel School Division. "We are grateful that both Lavallee School and École Mazina-Giizhik will benefit from new play structures, creating opportunities for joy, inclusion and healthy development for years to come. We thank the Manitoba government for supporting our students, families and school communities through this important investment."
Applications were evaluated based on the existence and condition of playgrounds, health and safety considerations, remaining project funding, accessibility and broader community use. The new provincial fund is designed to help reduce budget pressures and support school divisions as they plan for future playground needs.
The Manitoba government is committed to supporting safe, accessible and high-quality play environments for students across Manitoba and ensuring children and communities have great places to play, the minister noted.
For more information on the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund, visit: https://edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/schools/healthy_kids_communities.html.
