Family Care Center Receives Grant for New Nature-Inspired Playground Construction
Lexington, KY – The well-esteemed Family Care Center in Lexington has been serving the local community tirelessly for several decades. Their vital work is due to receive a significant enhancement, thanks to a generous donation from a local foundation.
$75,000 Grant Allotted for Nature-Based Playground
The PNC Foundation has bestowed a $75,000 grant on the Family Care Center to facilitate the creation of a new nature-based playground. Accordingly to the center’s director, the majority of the children they cater to reside primarily in apartment complexes, hence they lack easy access to playgrounds. This freshly constructed nature-filled playground will significantly augment their learning and cognitive skills. As it stands, the center witnesses the arrival of approximately 90 children every week.
Unique, Nature-Themed Structures Envisioned
Sheila Horton-Holt, the Director of the Family Care Center gave a sneak peek into what the playground will look like. “We envisage log bridges, climbers, tunnels, log balance beams, and tree steppers – all integral parts of this nature-inspired playground”, says Horton-Holt. She added, “Studies confirm that when natural elements are ingrained into a playground, the duration a child spends playing there doubles”.
Representatives from the PNC Foundation highlighted the importance of such initiatives, especially in an era where children spend little to less time outdoors. This scenario is critical as almost half of the preschool-aged children barely manage to include outside play in their routine, not even once every day.
Lauded by Lexington Mayor
The Mayor of Lexington, Linda Gorton appreciated and applauded the work the Family Care Center has been doing. The center assists low-income families not only by providing childcare but also facilitating unique programs. For instance, the center arranges a special program that aids young parents in achieving their high school diploma, all the while imparting essential parenting skills.
Phase One to be Completed by Fall
The uniquely designed playground will serve as an excellent teaching platform to the center’s 22 passionate educators. According to Horton-Holt, “The aim is to provide a comfortable environment for the parents. They should have the peace of mind knowing their children are not just in safe hands but also learning and growing while they’re here”.
The project has been divided into two phases. The first phase is expected to be wrapped up by this fall. In addition, the PNC Foundation has also presented $400 gift cards to the lead teachers of the center. These cards can be redeemed at Lakeshore Learning for classroom resources and supplies.
The nature-based playground project is indeed a necessary step forward in shaping the future of children in the local community. It shows promise in enhancing their learning experiences while granting them much-needed access to outdoor play. The Family Care Center, with its ongoing initiatives and newly funded playground, continues to be a beacon of hope and assistance for many families in Lexington.
