KIDS LEARNING PLACE IN UNION CITY CELEBRATES NEW PLAY AREA

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The preschoolers at Kids Learning Place in Union City now have an outside playground at their center; a place that promotes fitness as they grow and will keep them healthy and fit.

Representatives from Head Start Body Start, Evangelical United Methodist Church, Council on Rural Services, and the community helped the children share the excitement in celebrating the playground dedication. There was a ribbon cutting, planting flowers, gathering for refreshments, and just having a good time on the new play equipment.

The location was planned with various multipurpose areas of play equipment, rubberized poured surfaces for running, jumping, and bike riding, along with small gardening boxes for flowers and working with nature. All areas are planned to promote physical activity and develop wellness habits for the children.

The EUM Church worked in partnership with Council on Rural Services and supported this change from a parking lot to a wonderful play area for the preschool children. They also purchased flowers for the gardening boxes and many people from the congregation were on hand to help the children plant the flowers that day. The playground equipment and fencing was funded by grants from Head Start Body Start and the Administration for Children and Families

Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama discussed how building a playground goes beyond simply giving children a place to play -- it's about keeping our children healthy. Education Program Manager, Jeanine Bensman said, “Children that do not get enough exercise can have both serious immediate and long-term consequences. It is essential to keep kids active and moving and have access to safe outside play. This playground will help our children develop their fine and gross motor skills, and build new interests, abilities and relationships while they use their imagination and have a different play experience every day.”

Kids Learning Place uses the I am Moving, I am Learning proactive approach to increase physical activity and promote healthy food choices with the children every day. This approach along with support of Head Start Body Start helps our children learn about good health in healthy learning environments both inside and out. The most reliable way to become a healthy adult is to learn healthy habits as a child.

The playground at the Kids Learning Place in Union City was dedicated in honor of the late Vicki Mathis, a long time family advocate for the program. The playground honors Vicki and her integrity, determination, and the time and love she gave to the children and families in the area. Nancy Snyder, education specialist said, “I would always see her joy and pride in the families she helped over the years, as they came back and shared their success with her.” A bench with her name is being located in the corner of the playground as a quiet memory place. Many members of Vicki’s family also attended the dedication.

For more information about the programs, check the Web site at www.councilonruralservices.org or call 937-778-5220. Council on Rural Services provides education, support, and volunteer services through Kids Learning Place™, Head Start, Early Head Start, Gateway Youth Programs, and HandsOn West Central Ohio in Darke County.