Who hasn’t taken delight from the sound of children’s laughter and marveled at their ingenuity as they play at being pirates and princesses, artists and acrobats, witches and warriors? Child’s play is fun to watch and fun to join in. There is a serious side to play, however. Play is SO important to health child development, that it has been recognized by the United Nations as the right of every child. Play is how we learn – to solve problems, to be creative and to be with others in healthy relationships. Play strengthens family bonds and in doing so, teaches children to become nurturing parents themselves. But play is something often taken for granted. Not every child has the opportunity to explore play in a safe and stimulating environment. Not every child has parents who can take the time or provide the resources that are available in more affluent homes and neighbourhoods. In 2016, our volunteer based team of 40 plus volunteers had hoped that the new, custom-built playhouse would begin construction at 681 Selkirk Avenue for North End children and families. However, it took til August 2020 to get in the ground. It was built and opened on October 18, 2021. The Little Stars PLAYhouse is a child and family-centred hub designed to meet the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional needs of newborns to 5 year olds and their families. The PLAYhouse is becoming a multi-use dynamic centre with a diverse staff and an advisory committee. The Board is working towards an Indigenous Elder and an artist at the centre and a Family Support Worker. Through a wide range of activity centres and play areas, toys, books, resources and programming we are building up our children and their caregivers. As income and transportation issues often limit our families’ opportunities to explore outside of their neighbourhood, programming at the PLAYhouse includes field trips to places such as Fort Whyte, Bird’s Hill Park, Assiniboine Park, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, farms, local pools and recreation centres. These trips offer our children and caregivers incredible experiences for play, education,relationship-building and broadening their horizons. Nutrition, exercise, positive parenting is important. Building partnerships with local programs and organizations such as Fit Kids Healthy Kids, MMF, Urban Circle Training, Carpenters' Union, NECRC, Fearless R2W, Bear Clan, etc. Our North End children are learning to pretend play, love books, get a head start on the reading process, dance, eat veggies, make friends, make messes and so much more!
