HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Force Support Squadron officially opened several new playgrounds at facilities here Nov. 13.
Play areas at the Child Development Center and School Age Program recently reopened after a yearlong renovation project.
“Outside play is beneficial to children, they need at least 60 minutes of outdoor exposure every day,” said Taylor Chamberlain, 66 FSS Child and Youth Services Flight chief. “Our newly renovated playgrounds each have an age-appropriate play elements, such as climbing structures, musical instruments, and tricycle paths, that encourage gross motor skills development.”
The $1.8 million project updated four age-appropriate play areas at the Child Development Center and a play structure and basketball court for the School Age Program.
Upgrades corrected deficiencies and enhanced safety. In addition to new play structures, all playgrounds now have shade coverings and soft fall surfaces.
“The children are ecstatic,” Chamberlain said. “They took a lot of nature walks and had a small area to play during the renovations but now they can go right outside their door.”
Five of six facilities are complete. The climbing structure at the School Age Program is awaiting final inspection before it can be used.
The Hanscom AFB Child and Youth Program provides care to 167 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.