“Community playgrounds not only help promote healthy living for children and their families but also help build a sense of community,” said Minister MacKinley. “Our government’s investment in upgrades to these playgrounds means that community residents will have safe recreational opportunities now and into the future.”

The Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Island Community Fund, has partnered with three community organizations to invest in the projects:

• The Tignish Initiatives Corporation received $15,400 through the Island Community Fund to purchase and install new playground equipment at Tignish Elementary School to meet safety standards.

• The Parkdale-Sherwood Lions Club received $3,000 through the Island Community Fund to upgrade the existing playground at Sherwood Elementary School to meet safety standards.

• Le Conseil acadien de Rustico received $13,750 through the Island Community Fund to establish the Centre acadien Grand-Rustico Community Recreation Facility. The new playground at École Saint-Augustin showcases the historic principals of the area and encompasses the theme of Tree Houses and Woodland.

Since it began, the Island Community Fund has approved 362 projects in over 100 Island communities representing more than $18 million to capital projects. This has included an investment of nearly $530,000 for 30 community playground projects.

“The Parents’ Committee of École Saint-Augustin have worked for years with the Conseil acadien de Rustico, the school, the French language school board and the community at large to realize the dream of a playground and community park which reflect the rich history of our community,” says Conseil President Daniel Cyr. “We are grateful to Minister MacKinley and his team, who shared our vision and were key enablers in the completion of this project. The result is a wonderful year-round resource for the school, the community and our many summer visitors.”

“I would like to thank the many volunteers who have raised funds to help cost-share these projects and provide our children with safe playground facilities,” said Minister MacKinley. “The Province of Prince Edward Island will continue to invest in our Island communities to improve the quality of life for all Islanders.”