Partnership to help fund ‘Alpine Playground’ in Sutton

SUTTON — Have you heard of the Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su? The Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su is a Best Beginnings group that started in 2009.

Participating organizations include United Way of Mat-Su, CCS Early Learning, Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Thread, Mat-Su Borough School District, Mat-Su Public Health, Links Parent and Resource Center, HeartReach Pregnancy Center, and Women and Infant Care.

The partnership encourages families to foster their child’s learning, spend as much quality time with their children as they can, and encourages teachers to continue their education and training.

Last year, the group provided playground grants to three local child-care centers. This year, the group decided to offer a $10,000 grant to a community playground — the Alpine Playground — planned for construction in at the Alpine Historical Park in Sutton May 21-25. The donation will be used to build the “tot lot” section of the playground.

Playgrounds are important because they help encourage a child’s imagination, encourage exercise and play and when other children are there, they help children learn to play with others. This playground will be located next to their community library that draws in many families with young children. Sutton is a Mat-Su asset, rich in community, resources and events, and will soon include a new community playground for all to use and enjoy.

For more information, to donate or volunteer, contact Sara at 354-6108 or email psbly@mtaonline.net.

Not only does the ECPM provide money for playground equipment, the group also hosts family events throughout the year for any and all families with children 0-5 years old and provide scholarships for early childhood educators to attend training, purchase new materials and supplies for local childcare centers, distribute books to children and families, and much more.

Te group also will host the Mat-Su Family Festival from 3 to 6 p.m., April 6 at the AT&T Sports Center. The event also will recognize outstanding child care teachers and includes activities for families and young children, such as bounce houses, parent resources, games, health fair, food and more.

For more information, search Facebook Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su, or visit matsufamilies.org.