The school playground is more than monkey bars and swings, it's a place where kids find friends, build confidence and make memories.

Now more kids will be able to play thanks to funding for a new universally-accessible playground at Silver Star Elementary.

The school is one of 25 in B.C. each getting $200,000 to build the new playgrounds.

"Physical activity and fun play are an integral part of childhood to help with physical and mental development, and playgrounds help to meet that need. As a mom of three children, I remember when parents had to fundraise themselves for playground upgrades or replacements," said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. 

"Through this program, our government has been funding hundreds of accessible playgrounds around the province, including locally at Alexis Park Elementary, and now, there is another brand new, accessible playground coming to Vernon at Silver Star Elementary." 

Since 2018, the government has built new playgrounds at 307 schools, benefiting over 77,000 students. Every school district has received at least one playground since the program started in 2018, and some schools received funding for multiple playgrounds for their communities to enjoy.