The Crookston Early Childhood Initiative has designated a need for park benches in our local parks, so mothers are able to sit and feed their infants and grandparents are able to relax and enjoy watching their grandchildren play and explore. We are fortunate to have many wonderful parks in our community where children and families can get outside and play. The benefits of outdoor play are long-lasting, and research shows that brain activity is increased, obesity is decreased, and children are happier. 
The Crookston ECI applied for a Crookston Park and Rec 50/50 grant last spring and are grateful for the partnership with Scott Riopelle and the Park and Rec department. Last spring, McDonald’s owner, Cindy O’Keefe, contacted the ECI and expressed interest in supporting a current project we are working on and would like to advertise for it during their Grand Re-Opening this past summer. McDonald’s generosity to our community is greatly appreciated.
The three new park benches are located at Evergreen Park, Wildwood Park, and Hoven Lane. The ECI, with funds from our generous donors, (along with other possible financial grants), will continue with this project for the next four years.
The VISION of the Crookston Early Childhood Initiative is to help young children and their families to have access to supportive opportunities which allow them to love, learn, and thrive.
Our PRIORITIES we strive to meet include Valuing Diversity.
· The park benches will provide a place for mothers to feed their infants while watching their older children play, as well as a place for people to rest in a comfortable place.
Promotes developmentally appropriate care and education.
· The benches will create opportunities for parents to care for the needs of young children and provide education and allow for some great discussions for families.
Supports the social and emotional needs of young children.
· Young children will have the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually while using are wonderful park structures, while allowing the adult to sit if needed.
Supports coordinated services and resources.
· The collaboration between the ECI and Crookston Park and Rec Department ensures that the equipment will enhance parks that already exist and being utilized by families.
Encourages active, quality community group and business participation.
· The Park and Recreation Department will help decide which parks are utilized the most and place benches in these parks first.
Left Picture: Frieda Larson with her daughters, June and Pearl, enjoying the new bench at Evergreen Park
Right Picture: Mike and Cindy O’Keefe, McDonalds, and Andrea Prudhomme, Crookston Park and Recreation Department at Hoven Lane
Tags:
