The Manitoba government is investing $3 million through the new Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund to support safe, accessible and high-quality playgrounds.
“Every child deserves a safe and welcoming place to play, learn and connect with classmates,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt. “This new fund will help ensure schools and communities across Manitoba have access to quality playgrounds, while easing the financial burden that has too often fallen on parents and volunteers. By investing in playgrounds, we are investing in healthy kids, stronger communities and better opportunities for children to be active and thrive.”
Introduced in Budget 2026, the new fund helps reduce fundraising pressures on parent councils and supports school divisions as they transition to budgeting for playground construction and replacement projects. Under the program, the Manitoba government provides funding for up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
Through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund and existing school project budgets, a total of 43 playground projects will receive support across Manitoba, including:
-38 new playground projects, including Bison Run School and Springfield Heights School, funded through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund; and
-five playground projects at recently built schools funded through school capital project budgets.
Playgrounds provide important opportunities for physical activity, social development and outdoor learning, while supporting health and well-being of Manitoba children and youth, the minister noted.
The Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund is part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthy, vibrant communities and creating environments where children can learn, play and succeed, the minister added.
