Willamalane Preschool Gets a New Playground

Willamalane Park & Recreation District - Springfield, OR

Willamalane was actively working to address the demand for high-quality early education for children in Springfield. The expansion of the Bob Keefer Center’s preschool, now known as the Willamalane Tiny Ducks Preschool, aims to break barriers, increase enrollment, and address the essential needs of our community’s children. In addition to fostering a child’s development, preschool plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy by enabling parents to rejoin the workforce. As children attend preschool, parents can pursue employment or educational opportunities, contributing to increased workforce participation and economic productivity in the community. This dual impact on child development and parental employment underscores the broader societal benefits of accessible and quality preschool programs. With the construction of three new classrooms, Willamalane was able to more than double its capacity from 40 to 100 kids. 

With the increased enrollment came a new need for an outdoor play area to assist in the kid’s development. The new playground design was curated with inclusivity and mobility in mind. The structures and play boards that were chosen include elements that provide sensory play, allows full access for a child in a mobility device, helps build strength and coordination, supports effective communication across different languages, supports socialization, and inspires an inclusive mindset.

The JTMF Foundation is excited to help provide a safe, vibrant, and enriching outdoor playground for the preschool children in Springfield.