Thanks to a $6,000 Duke Energy Community Grant, Kids Discovery Factory has begun adding outdoor play equipment to the lot on the north side of the building. Grant funding supports the purchase of benches, water and sensory play equipment, balance and gross motor equipment, outdoor art experiences, and storage. Sensory and "messy" play experiences help children practice fine motor skills, enhance hand-eye coordination, develop language skills, and fosters imagination and curiosity.
Weather pending, these outdoor play experiences are available during regular open hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays and during special programming such as homeschool days, field trips, scout programs, day camps, classes, and private rentals. Some equipment, like the water table, sand sensory bin, soil sensory bin, chalk spinner, and balance beams are in use already. Plans are in the works for more outdoor activities to be added as the spring progresses.
Utilizing the outdoor space will help accommodate larger groups who wish to visit Kids Discovery Factory and give the community one more outdoor space to play and learn in during the spring, summer, and fall.