Construction on a new outdoor camp pavilion will begin this fall at the YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre in Sarnia, thanks to a $60,000 donation from the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation.
“The pavilion will be built on a concrete pad in an open space behind the YMCA branch to provide shade and rain coverage for summer camp programs that serve more than 150 children weekly through July and August, and for other Y purposes such as outdoor fitness programming, freeing up indoor space for additional uses,” the YMCA said in a news release.
The pavilion will complement a new natural playground that opened this summer, thanks to another $57,391 donation from the Alix Foundation.
“The new natural playground space was inspired by the concept of ‘risky play’ which helps children, ages three to nine primarily, develop self-confidence, resilience, and risk management skills though play,” the YMCA added. “Children are able to engage in free-flowing exploratory imaginative play allowing them to interact with the natural environment and develop a sense of ownership.
“The playground includes elements such as a peddle arch, stumps, log climber, rope traverse, horizontal ladder, tunnel, chalk board, wood benches, and triangle sail shades.”
Last week, officials gathered at the site to recognize the contributions and continued support from the Alix Foundation.
