On Saturday, September 6th, the Club hosted an intimate dedication ceremony to showcase and celebrate our transformative outdoor renovation project, which included two playscapes and a terrace. Despite the windy weather, the event was full of fun, laughter, and a promise of the future. The event recognized the many individuals and supporters who helped make the Club’s outdoor renovation dreams a reality, particularly the Town of West Springfield and the Wright Family. Attendees included Local Officials, the Office of Community Development, Trustees, professional staff, and friends of Bill and Anita Wright. Tansey's Catered table provided food and drinks, 175 Designs donated goodie bags for guests, and Tom Coburn provided wonderful music throughout the event. As part of the dedication ceremony we unveiled the "Wright Your Own Story" preschool mural, designed by Grace Bergeron and Amanda Greenfield.
Since 2020, our Trustees and leadership have been focused on revitalizing a facility that has been home to the Club for nearly 80 years. These renovations have introduced new program spaces, opened up exciting opportunities, and allowed more youth to benefit from our services. This final outdoor renovation project was unveiled during Summer Program, where campers and Preschool members were able to enjoy them. Throughout the year, these spaces will serve over 500 youth enrolled in Club programs. The project was largely funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support from the Town and a significant contribution from the Trust of Jean and Ned Wright and the Wright family.
Kids need interesting and engaging opportunities to explore outdoors - and they need spaces where it is safe to get messy, get creative, and let their imagination run. These new play & explore structures for pre-school and elementary-age Club members will allow our youth to spend less time indoors on devices and more time experimenting, collaborating, moving, and growing. They will be able to investigate nature and learn more about the environment, and reap the many physical and mental health benefits of outdoor learning and play.
