The playground structure at Riverside school is among the newest in the city. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Upgraded fun

Province seeks applications for School Playground Equipment Grant program

Sep 10, 2025 | 5:00 PM

A recent announcement by the provincial government may be a benefit to schools across the Prince Albert area.

Applications for the new School Playground Equipment Grant program are now open. Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division Director of Education Neil Finch told paNOW they are in the process of reaching out to schools.

“We are in the initial stages with this, and schools will decide if they apply for this grant or not,” he said.

Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 in matching funds to build a new playground. Funds can also be used to add new equipment or replace components on an existing playground.

“The province is investing $3.75 million annually over the next four years to enrich outdoor play spaces throughout Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “This program supports the incredible work done by volunteer school community councils and parent groups who raise money to create safe, accessible playgrounds for their children. It benefits the kids, families, and their communities, and I look forward to seeing more projects break ground.”

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The application period will run from Sept. 9 to Feb. 25, on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be administered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA).

“Playgrounds are critical spaces that contribute to a healthy Saskatchewan population,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. “Investments like the School Playground Equipment Grant help instill the importance of play and physical literacy in our children and youth, which in turn will build a more active future for our province.”

The program is open to school community councils and parent groups affiliated with publicly funded schools, school divisions, and First Nation schools in Saskatchewan.

Publicly funded schools include: public, separate, Francophone, Independent (including alternative independent schools, associate schools, historical high schools, qualified independent schools, and certified independent schools) and First Nations schools.

Overview of the eligibility criteria:

• Groups may apply for up to $50,000 in matching funds, with a limit of one application per school per year. Please note that schools that reapply in future granting periods will only be considered after all new applicants have been evaluated during that intake.
• Projects must be completed within one year from the project approval date.
• Funding is for the development or refurbishment of traditional play structures located on school property that meet the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard for Children’s Play spaces and Equipment (Z614-20).
• Play structures must always be accessible to the community. (i.e., outdoors).
• Eligible project expenses incurred on or after April 1, 2025, may be eligible to receive the matching funding.

Full guidelines along with the online grant application are available on the SPRA website.

paNOW also attempted to contact the Prince Albert Catholic School Division for comment but they did not respond in time for the publication deadline.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell