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Boeing pays for playground makeover to help kids to be healthy
Christmas came early for the 120 pre-school children at Antelope Valley College’s Child Development Center.
The well-utilized playground that kids have used since the center opened in 1995 will get a makeover including new equipment and improvements thanks to a $20,000 grant from The Boeing Company Employees Fund and a $16,000 grant from the state Department of Education.
“We’re so excited,” said Dr. Katarina Orlic-Babic, director of the Child Development Center (CDC). “It really ties into our goals for this year and that’s to improve on the fitness of the children.”
With so many recent studies and reports drawing attention to child obesity and lack of exercise, Orlic-Babic said the windfall couldn’t come at a better time.
“We really want to promote healthy lifestyles and physical development of children,” she said. Center staff members were hoping to add some equipment that would enable children more opportunities to climb. The current setup has a raised platform and double slide.
The state money will be used to remove the wood chips and sand from the playground and create a smooth, rubber surface, making the playground safer and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACT), according to Orlic-Babic.
Each class of preschoolers spends a minimum of 30 minutes on the playground daily. There are eight classes throughout the day.
The grant from Boeing is the largest gift ever to the CDC, according to Orlic-Babic, although the center has benefited from two other Boeing grants over the years.
The grant was arranged through the Antelope Valley College Foundation.
“The generous donations by The Boeing Company employees demonstrate a commitment to both education and our community,” said Bridget Razo, executive director of institutional advancement and resource development. “This partnership has been cultivated by The Boeing Company’s relationship with the Antelope Valley College Foundation and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.”
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