6/30/16 news article
giant caterpillar welcomes children to new playground and garden in Old North Dayton
the Children’s Garden is community project to give kids a safe place to play, learn and grow
Tearing through colorful streamers, kids are the first ones who get to enjoy the new Children’s Garden. The bright, new place to play, learn and grow opened today as part of the DaVinci revitalization project for the Greater Old North Dayton neighborhoods.
Speakers from Dayton Children’s Hospital, CityWide Development, the city of Dayton, the Old North Dayton Neighborhood Association and Public Health, Dayton and Montgomery County dedicated the park as a safe place for children to explore.
“We are committed to building a community where children can grow up healthy,” said Deborah A. Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. "We know that through play, children learn about themselves, their environment, people and the world around them. They use their imagination and creativity, develop leadership skills and create healthy habits.”
Visitors to the park are greeted by a giant caterpillar forming the entrance arch of the garden. A massive green slide, an intricate orange rope-climbing jungle gym and wooden climbing posts encourage children to challenge themselves.
Raised garden beds, an orchard and sensory garden also help children connect with nature using all of their senses. The garden offers activities for all children, regardless of their ability. Children visiting the garden will also have an opportunity to learn about native plants and healthy foods as well as play safely in nature.
The DaVinci Project partners hope that not only patient families at Dayton Children’s will utilize the garden, but also families in the Greater Old North Dayton neighborhoods and the region as a whole. Children should explore the garden and are welcome to get dirty, run and jump.
In addition to opening the Children’s Garden, the DaVinci project efforts to revitalize the neighborhood also include efforts to demolish nuisance buildings, realign and rebuild corridors and gateways, improve wayfinding and beautify the neighborhood so it continues to be attractive to families and businesses.
For more information, contact:
Stacy Porter
Public relations manager
Phone: 937-641-3666
newsroom@childrensdayton.org
