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LAURIUM - The Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) has awarded a $25,000 grant to the CLK Early Childhood Center to support the development of a dedicated early childhood playground for daycare and preschool children. The project will create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play space designed specifically for children ages 0-5, helping strengthen physical activity, social development, and overall well-being during the most critical years of childhood growth.
Currently, CLK Elementary School’s youngest learners share a playground area with older elementary students, creating limitations in access to age-appropriate equipment and increasing safety concerns. The new playground will provide a separate space equipped with features specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of young children, offering opportunities for active play, exploration, imagination, and social interaction.
The project includes the purchase and installation of playground equipment such as swings, climbing structures, slides, and interactive play features that encourage healthy movement and learning through play. Foundation funding will directly support the acquisition of the playground equipment that will become the centerpiece of the new outdoor learning environment.
“This playground will be transformational for our center and the families we serve,” said Mandy Crouch, Director of the CLK Early Childhood Center. “Our youngest children deserve a space designed just for them, where they can safely explore, build friendships, strengthen motor skills, and develop confidence through play. This investment gives our children opportunities to learn and grow in a healthy outdoor environment while creating memories that will last a lifetime. We are incredibly grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for recognizing the importance of early childhood development and helping us bring this vision to life.”
Research consistently demonstrates that safe outdoor play supports physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children. By investing in a dedicated early childhood playground, KHF is helping establish a strong foundation for lifelong health and wellness while supporting local families and strengthening community resources for future generations.
“We believe that healthy communities begin with healthy children,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation. “Quality outdoor play opportunities are essential to the well-being and development of young learners. This project aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the health of our communities by investing in programs and environments that help children thrive. We are proud to support the CLK Early Childhood Center as they create a dedicated space where our region’s youngest residents can develop the physical, social, and emotional skills that will benefit them for years to come.”
The playground will serve children enrolled in daycare and preschool programs at the CLK Early Childhood Center and will support broader community health goals by encouraging active lifestyles, safe recreation, and positive social engagement during the earliest stages of development.
For those interested in supporting the Keweenaw Health Foundation's mission, donations are always welcome. Your contribution helps strengthen the health and vitality of the region and ensures that community events like this continue to thrive. For more information, visit khfgive.org or call 906.337.6541.