Stamford, CT – October 31, 2024 – Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week for their new playground at CLC William Pitt, the largest of CLC’s six early childhood education centers in Stamford. This event celebrated the creation of a new state-of-the-art playground that will serve more than 340 children, providing a safe, engaging, and developmentally enriching space for play and learning.
Local dignitaries, including Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Connecticut State Representative Matt Blumenthal attended the official opening. The new playground, funded generously by donors, underscores CLC’s commitment to fostering growth through innovative early childhood programs.
“Our new playground reflects the community’s investment in the future of Stamford’s youngest learners. It’s more than just a play area—it’s a place where children can develop critical skills through exploration, collaboration, and discovery,” said Monica Maccera Filppu, CEO of CLC.
The new playground takes into account best practices in preschool playground design and includes equipment that accommodates various physical challenges, providing opportunity for inclusive and interactive play time. Features like wide pathways and sensory-friendly spaces cater to children with special needs. Incorporating textures, sounds, and interactive elements helps children engage their senses while developing essential skills. Vertical play structures promote physical fitness and problem-solving skills among young children, with options available for even the youngest climbers.
Jeaneska Perez and Isela Reyes, teachers at CLC William Pitt developed a “Playground Safety” manual to outline essential rules for safe equipment use, good manners, and consideration for others. Emphasizing green and red choices, the guide helps children navigate the playground responsibly. Importantly, CLC’s new playground prioritizes safety with softer landing surfaces made from rubber matting, significantly reducing injury risks from falls.
The playground has 12 play structures and is divided into three zones so that several classrooms can enjoy the space at the same time. More than $500,000 was raised from individual donors, foundations, and local and state public entities, including The Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, the City of Stamford, and the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood ARA grant.
In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the event offered a guided tour of CLC William Pitt, including learning studios that were refurbished through a grant from ASML. The learning studios include the Carol Sargent Sensory Studio, STEAM Studio, Kitchen Studio, and the Music and Library Studio. These interactive learning spaces are an important part of CLC’s comprehensive early care and education program.
