SUBMITTED IMAGE An artist rendering shows a sensory play area developed by Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, which is behind the concept drawings for a similar space being developed in Central Park thanks to an Alberta Blue Cross grant of $50,000 to Medicine Hat's Early Childhood Coalition.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel
Medicine Hat’s Early Childhood Coalition has received a $50,000 grant from Alberta Blue Cross, taking it one step closer to completing work on its nature playground in Central Park.
The project is a partnership between the MHECC, the City of Medicine Hat and Kiwanis Club.
MHECC chair Jennifer Usher told the News there’s two phases to the playground, the first being a climbing structure and gross motor area that will replace the playground equipment near the water park, which is already funded.
The grant is going toward the second part of the project, which is a sensory sand and water area, she said.
“That area is going to be a large sandbox-type pit that will have an old-fashioned water pump that the children will get to pump water in and get to experience lots of sensory play opportunities,” explained Usher.
This is the second grant MHECC received in relation to this component of the project after a contribution from Pembina.
They’re still looking for one more donor in order for phase two to be fully funded, although the Blue Cross funding represents a “big chunk of the cost,” Usher added.
The hope is to procure all the funding by spring, when the construction of phase one is slated to begin.
Usher says the sensory component of its summer play sessions has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, calling it the “perfect addition to the nature playground.”
“It will be accessible to all ages and to all abilities. Families can explore the sand and water, and eventually mud, without having to make a mess at home,” she said.
“We know sensory play is crucial to brain development. It works to shape everything from language development, fine motor skills, scientific understanding and exploration, and it helps children calm and self-regulate.
“This play space will be an excellent solution to address the lack of connection to nature that we see in our young children.” This is the first Healthy Community Grant Alberta Blue Cross has given out in Medicine Hat since the grant’s inception in 2013, says Brian Geislinger, vice president of corporate relations.
He said they receive about 100 grant applications a year and endeavour to provide appropriate regional representation.
“It’s kind of an innovative project,” said Geislinger. “It has some sensory appeal and it’s also an opportunity to provide more of a natural exposure for children.”
