The Empower Simcoe Foundation is pleased to announce its $300,000.00 Hooray for Outdoor Play capital campaign for a new, accessible playground at the EarlyON Child and Family Centre at 129 Ferris Lane, Barrie. While at its core, this playground will be a recreational space, it will also serve as an outdoor learning space for the expansion of current EarlyON Programming.
Outdoor play is not just about fun; it also plays a crucial role in the holistic development of children. The EarlyON Centres support families and caregivers with children 0 to 6 years old, providing a wide range of essential services that empower parents and caregivers in their nurturing roles, while creating a secure environment where children can engage in a diverse array of enriching activities and hone new skills.
Here’s what some EarlyON parents and caregivers had to say about the importance of outdoor play:
“I love that my child will have the opportunity to interact with other children in a safe and enclosed area. Let new friendships and fun begin!”
“We’re so excited to hear this is coming to the EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Barrie. Being able to socialize outdoors and work on relationships and sharing is key at any age to establish life long skills.”
The addition of this outdoor playground space is of paramount importance, as it allows children to engage with the natural world, develop physical skills, and connect with their surroundings. Outdoor play fosters a sense of wonder, promotes physical activity, and encourages imaginative play. These experiences are invaluable in nurturing well-rounded and resilient individuals, making this playground expansion a vital enhancement to the EarlyON Centre’s mission of supporting families and children in their journey of growth and learning.
Now under construction, the playground is expected to be ready for fun in 2024. Donate today and help create lasting memories for current and new families at Empower Simcoe’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Barrie.