New Playground, New Opportunities

The laughter and joy of children singing filled the air on March 18 as Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee hosted a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new playground.

Bringing together community members, families and supporters, the event marked a sign of more progress to come and a profound investment in the earliest years of children’s lives. That investment pays dividends as shown by the latest statewide test scores showing Pathways above the norm in several measures.

More than just a place to play, Pathways leadership says the playground, with more open space, new surfacing and updated equipment for all ages from four months to five years, is designed to spark wonder, foster creativity and support the power of play based learning.

That’s seriously important at Pathways, which believes playgrounds provide opportunities for children to develop physical skills such as balance and coordination, while also fostering social skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

The celebration featured ice cream from Royal Scoop, floating bubbles, balloons and a special song written and performed by the children.

Pathways board member Cindy Rusu, and husband George, were recognized for their vision and generous matching gift of $100,000, which they offered after asking teachers about their highest priority. Howard Murrell, another new board member, and his company, Quality Enterprises, provided essential leadership and covered significant site development and contracting costs.

The United Way of Collier County and The Keys funded shade structures to help keep children cool and safe. Architect Jim Henley, civil engineer Dave Sneed, County Commissioner Dan Kowal and many others were also applauded for their expertise with site plans, permits and county regulations.

“This playground is more than a space for recess. It’s a world of opportunity for our children. Together, we’ve given our children the gift of play, and with it, the tools to grow, learn, and thrive,” said Brandon Dowdy, Pathways CEO, invoking the words of Albert Einstein, “Play is the highest form of research.”

This playground project was backed by last year’s Brighter Future Campaign, which will also fund the center’s next milestone: the addition of two modular “education villas” with four new classrooms for 40 new students this coming fall.

More progress on the academic side is in the works as Pathways makes plans and raises money for expansion on recently acquired property across Colorado Avenue. The goal is erasing today’s waitlist of 250 youngsters – double the current enrollment.

Guests left the March 18 ribbon-cutting humming the song written and sung by Pathways students. It says, in part:

Thank you for our water fountain!

Thank you for our slide!

Thank you for our playground.

We love to play

We love Pathways

And thank you for helping us grow.

Hooray!