SASKATCHEWAN — As applications for the new School Playground Equipment Grant (SPEG) are being approved, one urban parent was disappointed to learn that funding for schoolyards is the responsibility of school community councils (SCCs) and parents, rather than the Ministry of Education.
The $3.75 million grant is being offered through the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, with specific requirements in the application process, including 24/7 community access and compliance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard for Children’s Playspaces and Equipment.
“Between parents that fundraise, teachers that need to supervise schoolkids safely, groups like SOS Trees that do schoolyard tree plantings and outdoor educators like SaskOutdoors, I think a lot of people are concerned with the government’s poor planning,” said the Saskatoon parent.
According to the Ministry of Education, outdoor playground equipment has never been fully funded through the provincial government. For some communities, fundraising efforts for playground structures have been ongoing for decades, while other schools may have been fortunate to have private funding or sponsorship opportunities, eliminating the need for fundraising.
“SCCs develop school-level plans that align with the board of education’s strategic plan. However, the legislation does not prescribe specific activities as this is left up to the planning of each SCC in co-ordination with the school,” said the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.
The concerned parent also questioned why the Saskatchewan school curriculum endorses nature-based learning, yet the ministry and school divisions do not provide access to outdoor materials beyond a metal play structure. According to the provincial government, there is no nature-based-specific curriculum within Saskatchewan. However, teachers are encouraged to use a nature-based approach to support learning outcomes through various subjects, and schools receive funding to access instructional materials and resources based on local needs.
In 2023, the Living Sky School Division created a one-of-a-kind land-based learning trailer, which incorporates an Indigenous-led approach to education. There is no cost to schools within the division to access this travelling resource, which provides lessons for all grade levels for a full month.
Applications for the SPEG are now open to school councils and community groups affiliated with publicly funded schools, school divisions and First Nation schools until Feb. 25, 2026.
