Genk (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In Limburg, 100 schools, including GO! Freinetschool in Genk is transforming playgrounds into green spaces with 15,000 euros each, supported by the Provincial Nature Centre and MOS.
In Limburg, 100 schools have signed up for a program that gives money to help make their playgrounds greener. GO! Freinetschool on the MOVE in Genk is the 100th school to join. This project encourages schools to change their hard playgrounds into green spaces. At GO! Freinetschool, the director, Carmen Jansen, said that students and teachers worked together to make a plan to “de-pave” their playground. They want to replace concrete with grass and trees to create a friendlier and more eco-friendly place for everyone.
How are Limburg schools making playgrounds greener?
It has been said that this effort is part of a bigger campaign in Limburg to make schools more sustainable and improve their outdoor areas. By encouraging natural playgrounds, the program helps fight climate change by reducing hot surfaces and also benefits students’ physical and mental health. The money provided by the province is important for making these changes happen, allowing more schools to create a greener and healthier environment for their students.
The kids have used sidewalk chalk to show what they want to change on their playground. They drew a water tank to collect rainwater, a herb garden, trees, and a path to the water tank. One student drew a bench for resting because they needed places to read and chat. The school plans to add a platform under a tree for kids to relax, read, and play. They already have one outdoor classroom and will make more spots for outdoor lessons.
Fifty-five schools that asked for money have now made their playgrounds greener. Each school will get about 15,000 euros, and how they spend it is different for each one. Some schools are even getting extra money from parents. Bert Lambrechts hopes that many more schools will apply for this funding because having green spaces is fun for kids, helps them learn better, and is good for nature. The schools are getting help from the Provincial Nature Centre and MOS to make their playgrounds better.
