Play box provides toys in Westminster Pier Park

New Westminster – A play will be installed in early June on the Timber Wharf at Westminster Pier Park. The box, will be filled with toys, balls and instructions for outdoor games to help kids be active, will be installed on the Timber Wharf, at Westminster Pier Park. The box is an initiative of Live 5-2-1-0, and it aims to help kids and families adopt healthy habits.

The play box is the first of its kind in New Westminster and was made possible by the generous support of Live 5210, Kids New West, City of New Westminster, Fraser Health and School District 40.

“The benefits of play extend beyond the children who play to also include their families, the community, and the environment,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “With initiatives like the Live 5-2-1-0 play box, we can provide these benefits to all families in New Westminster and make our public parks more inviting and exciting places to be.”

Live 5-2-1-0 refers to four guidelines to help encourage proper nutrition and physical activity. It sets out that children should enjoy five or more vegetables and fruits every day, not use screens (computers, television) for more than two hours per day, should play actively for at least one hour per day and choose healthy foods with no sugar sweetened drinks.

Play boxes have been successfully installed in other cities throughout British Columbia, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Delta and Nanaimo.

“They provide free play opportunities for low-income families, which significantly reduces the barriers to participation,” said John Stark, Senior Social Planner. “The box will also include copies of the Affordable Active Living Guide and information about the Parks and Recreation Subsidy Program.”

The box will be locked each night by City Staff, and then unlocked for children and families the following morning. The box at Westminster Pier Park will be evaluated with the hope of installing additional boxes throughout the city.

Residents and visitors can see the new play box at Pier 2 Landing, a family-friendly event happening between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on June 19, 2016.

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For further information please contact:
John Stark
Senior Social Planner, City of New Westminster
or 604-515-3777