Opening the box on fun: Playtime gets even better for kids in New West…
Playing will be even more fun at four sites in New Westminster: check out the new LIVE 5-2-1-0 PLAYBOXES filled with toys, balls and ideas for outdoor games.
The boxes were ready to open May 19…
Lifting the lid on fun…
Playboxes packed with games and equipment for kids have now been installed at 4 sites around New Westminster – including École Qayqayt elementary school.
That means kids can lift the lid on hula hoops, badminton sets, hockey sticks, basketballs and more in boxes at Qayqayt school, and at Hume Park, Moody Park and Grimston Park. The community partnership with New Westminster Schools, City of New Westminster, Fraser Health, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, and SCOPE BC is designed to encourage kids to get out and play.
It could also encourage healthy living, less computer screen time, and a stronger sense of belonging.
“That’s especially important when you have neighbourhoods with a fairly high concentration of apartments and not a lot of outdoor space,” said Rick Bloudell, New Westminster Schools district community schools coordinator.
“This can help bring kids together and draw them to schools and parks both after school and on weekends. It’s ideal.”
“I’m excited to see this program expanding in New Westminster and to watch our community become more active through play,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “I believe this initiative is important in not only increasing physical activity, but also increasing community belonging.”
The playboxes will be locked with a combination lock and the code available on New Westminster’s Healthy Community website.
The community is invited to donate good-condition equipment and help support a public-spirited sense of sharing for all kids.
This Saturday, May 20, a city Play Leader will be touring the sites from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to introduce people to the playbox and the LIVE 5-2-1-0 initiative while facilitating play.
The Live 5-2-1-0 message for healthy, active kids is to:
- enjoy 5 or more vegetables or fruits every day
- power down: no more than 2 hours of screen time a day
- play actively for at least 1 hour a day
- choose 0 sugary drinks.
Learn more about LIVE 5-2-1-0 Playboxes on the City of New Westminster website.
