JAMES CITY — Finishing touches are underway for the new natural playground that is set to debut at James City County Library in Croaker in the spring.
The playground, a concept initially spearheaded by former Williamsburg Regional Library director Betsy Fowler back in 2018, is an offshoot of the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio, an interactive indoor play and learning space that opened at the James City Library a few years ago. The playground will open adjacent to the Idea Studio in April.
“The Idea Studio has been a remarkable success,” said current WRL Director Sandy Towers. “The usage of the library has increased significantly. We are seeing families who previously had never been to the library before.”
Towers said the new playground is a natural extension of the studio and will offer kids of all ages “a safe place to go where they can unplug and experience childhood. Play is the work of childhood and this space will let kids be kids.”
The playground is designed for toddlers through teenagers of all capabilities and their families. Features include hills for climbing and rolling; an embankment slide; a gazebo with electricity where programs will be held; large boulders for climbing; a sand play area; magnifying stations for exploration; outdoor musical instruments with chimes, pipes and drums; a reading circle; a picnic area; and plenty of space for running and playing. There will also be a storybook trail through the woods with rotating tales throughout the year.
The new playground at the James City County library includes a gazebo with electricity where programs will be held. (Courtesy/Williamsburg Regional Library)
“We really want to encourage kids and parents to come out, explore and play in the woods like we did when we were kids,” said Alicia Phinney, the library’s youth services director. “The programming possibilities are endless. We anticipate the playground will be well used. We think it will become a destination spot.”
Ron King of Natural Playgrounds custom designed the playground, which was funded entirely through donations from the community. Among those who contributed money, materials, time and other support to the project are Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation, Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg, Level Artscape, Kiwanis Club of Colonial Capital, Kiwanis Club of Toano and Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, Scouts Pack 414, Eagle Scouts from Troop 20G, James City County and other businesses and organizations.
“This really was a group effort,” Towers said. “We are grateful to the community, who helped us out with so many things.”
The new playground includes a slide built into the side of a hill. (Courtesy/Williamsburg Regional Library)
A grand opening for the playground is scheduled for April 25. Towers envisions similar concepts at the new libraries planned for downtown Williamsburg and in James City County near the new, county government complex that is under construction on Longhill Road.
“We would like to build on the success we’ve seen here in any building we build in the future,” she said.
For more information, visit wrl.org/189/WRL-playground.
Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net
