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The ministry of infrastructure announced Tuesday morning that 25 school districts across B.C. will be receiving $200,000 for “new, modern, accessible playground.”

School districts across the province will be receiving $200,000 in funding from Victoria to build new playgrounds and "level out the playing field."

Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma announced Tuesday morning the province will be investing $5 million into new playgrounds through its playground equipment program.

She said 25 school districts across B.C. will each receive $200,000 for “new, modern, accessible playground.”

Schools to receive ministry funding include Silver Star Elementary in Vernon, Belgo Elementary in Kelowna, KVR Middle School in Penticton, Cayoosh Elementary School in Lillooet, Sorrento Elementary School, Rocky Mountain Elementary in Elkford, Marysville Elementary in Kimberley, Brent Kennedy Elementary in Crescent Valley and Robson Community School.

Ma said tasking parent advisory committees with fundraising to build new playgrounds has created disparities between high and low income neighbourhoods. She said the announcement would “level out the playing field.”

“We are supporting students in schools right across the province, and I am so incredibly grateful for this small yet meaningful contribution to the lives of kids across B.C.” she said.

Ma said it was the eight consecutive year school’s have received funding for playgrounds and more than $45 million has been doled out since 2018.

Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare said the investments are worthwhile.

"We know how important it is to kids, to families, to ensure that they have safe, accessible playgrounds all throughout the province,” she said.