January 2008

- $1 Million for Playgrounds Helps Keeps Children Active! -

Children at 66 B.C. schools will enjoy new or refurbished playgrounds, with the allocation of $1 million in provincial funding and partnership with the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, Education Minister Shirley Bond, Minister of state ActNow B.C. Gordon Hogg and BCCPAC President Kim Howland announced on January 18, 2008.

"Now playground equipment will encourage kids to get back to basics, to play and start interacting with one another," said Hogg. "Active kids will lead more productive, healthier lives and will help us lead the way in North America in physical activity and healthy living."

To learn more visit: www.actnowbc.ca

For the list of playgrounds awarded go to: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008EDU0010-000054-Attachment1.htm

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- It's BigToys like you've never seen them before! -

We are pleased to introduce the new BigToys Summit Series Design. These structures are intended for ages 5-12 and range in prices from $7480 - $16660 (CAD). The Summit series was designed with an open architecture; this encourages exploration of the entire structure where even the structural elements become a part of the play experience. As offered with all BigToys equipment, the Summit Series is available in the customer's choice of recycled steel and plastic or wood.

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- LET'S PLAY -
New Funding for Accessible Play Spaces

Let's Play, a joint initiative of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of BC, is offering grants of up to $50,000 for groups planning to construct, renovate or buy equipment for an accessible play spaces.

An idea of determining eligibility:

• Improves accessibility for children and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities
• Focus's on accommodating children ages 0-6
• Located in the province of BC
• Open and freely available for community use

The deadline for the first phase of Applications is January 15, 2008 and successful applicants will be announced in March 2008.

For more information check out the Rick Hansen Foundation

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- BC'S Childcare Spaces Grant! -

Minister of State for Child Care, Linda Reid announced on October 1, 2007 the BC Government is investing $12.5 million in major capital funding to support the creation of licensed childcare spaces.

"Our goal as a province is to create an additional 2,000 quality, licensed child care spaces throughout the province by 2010," said Reid. "By expanding the capital program and supporting child care providers to create much-needed spaces, we are, in turn, increasing options for families and, at the end of the day, supporting children and their families is what this is all about."

To learn more about the Major Capital Funding Program go to http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/capital.htm

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- New From Kompan-

On September 19 KOMPAN introduced their new line of products in KOMPAN MOMENTS, the Story Makers.

Designed for ages 2-5, Story Maker products will fill a child’s imagination with limitless possibilities.

Ocean

Ladybug

Rescue

- Out with the Techno in with the ElephantPlay -

With a fresh new name but the same great products Techno Playground equipment is excited to introduce them selves to you as the new and improved ElephantPlay. After 15 years, Techno has chosen to stand out from other low quality providers and get into a new shape. Check out their new look here.