B.C. kids to get $300,000 worth of revitalized play spaces - BCAA Play Here launches

Nominate a play space in need of an upgrade

March 27, 2018, Burnaby, BC

Communities across B.C. have the chance to win $300,000 in play space revitalizations with the launch of BCAA Play Here. Now in its third year, BCAA Play Here, a multi-year initiative that invests in play spaces across the province is bringing communities together by delivering better places for kids to play. From March 27 to April 15, communities are invited to submit a nomination for a play area in need of rejuvenation. Three B.C. communities will be receiving a play space upgrade worth up to $100,000.

“BCAA recognizes that play spaces aren’t just for kids, they’re for entire communities to enjoy and a place to bring people together,” says Shom Sen, BCAA’s president and CEO. “BCAA’s focus is to keep kids in B.C. safe, and through BCAA Play Here, we’re able to deliver amazing play areas that will have a positive impact on kids in B.C. and everyone in the community, now and for future generations.”

Over the past two years, communities that received play space revitalizations by winning BCAA Play Here are now enjoying vibrant new play areas which have not only benefited kids, but entire communities are also experiencing a boost.

“The big difference BCAA Play Here has made is that it’s created an amazing space for friends and neighbours to all get together, which has strengthened our sense of community even more,” says Jennifer Fraser, a parent of children who attend Marion Schilling Elementary School, one of the communities that applied to last year’s BCAA Play Here and won one of the $100,000 play space revitalizations. “I encourage any community to participate in this fun program. We’re thankful to BCAA and grateful of its vision to create a program like this that makes such a difference to a community.”

How does BCAA Play Here work?

1. Nominate (March 27-April 15). Non-profit community groups can nominate a play space in need at BCAAPlayHere.com. B.C. residents are encouraged to contact their local non-profit community groups about a play area they’d like to nominate.
2. Eligibility. You can nominate any play space in the province that needs rejuvenation. Examples include: an outdoor or indoor place space such as a playground, park, community garden, music room or after-school study area—any space in your community, indoors or outdoors, where kids can go to have fun and develop valuable life skills. The contest is open to all communities – urban or rural, big or small.
3. Finalists. A panel of judges shortlist nominations and present 10 finalists for online voting.
4. Online public vote. Communities share their stories across the province and British Columbians can vote for a play space project. Winners will be the top three finalists with the most verified votes.

BCAA Play Here nominations and finalists will be seen online at BCAAPlayHere.com and the three winning projects will be announced at the end of June.

To help a nomination stand out, BCAA provides tips for communities preparing their submissions:

• Be descriptive. Clearly highlight what the need is and the impact a revitalized play space would have on your community.
• Be visual and creative. Photos and short videos are impactful and great ways to tell your story.

Once the top three winners are announced, BCAA will work closely with each winning community from beginning to end on designs and plans for their project. Then, BCAA will deliver the community the play space of their dreams — a vibrant play space, customized to suit the size and characteristics of the area and complement the surrounding environment.

“When we read through the nominations we’ve received since we first launched BCAA Play Here, it’s clear—there’s a need across our province for better places for kids to spend time playing and learning,” says Shawn Pettipas, BCAA’s director of Community Engagement. “We understand it can take years for communities, schools and parent groups to raise funds for a play space upgrade while in the meantime, kids are spending precious play time in old, run down play areas. BCAA wants to give kids in B.C. something better.”

To make a BCAA Play Here nomination for your community, visit BCAAPlayHere.com.

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Important 2018 BCAA Play Here dates:

• Nominate: March 27 to April 15
• Judging: April 16 to May 18
• Top 10 Finalists announced: May 28
• Public vote: May 28 to June 17
• Winners announced: June 21

About BCAA

The most trusted organization in British Columbia by its Members, BCAA serves 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry-leading products including home, auto and travel insurance, roadside assistance, Evo Car Share and full auto service at BCAA’s Auto Service Centres. BCAA has a long history focused on keeping kids safe on the road and at play through community programs such as its School Safety Patrol, Community Child Car Seat Program and BCAA Play Here. Please visit bcaa.com.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Niela Melanio
BCAA Communication Specialist
Office: 604-268-5342
Cell: 778-228-8859
niela.melanio@bcaa.com