Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum has unveiled its new fully accessible indoor playground. This inclusive exhibit ensures that the children’s museum is accessible by youngsters who might not otherwise get a fare shake at interacting with this relatively new downtown play-based destination.
What makes this playground especially important is that it is indoors. As the colder weather sets in, there are fewer outdoor play options for kids, especially those who aren’t able to skate, ski, or even sled. Now, kids of all abilities will be able to count on an excursion to the waterfront, to enjoy themselves in ways that most other kiddos take for granted.
This new inclusive and accessible exhibit will take away the barriers to inclusion, both physical and social, providing a ‘sensory-rich’ experience and offering numerous benefits for all children year-round.
The fully accessible indoor playground is thanks to partnerships with Mason’s Mission, Dunn Tire, the Ferranti family, and the generosity of dozens of Give 716 supporters.
“A foundational principle of Explore & More is being inclusive and accessible for all children and families,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, CEO and President of Explore & More. “We’re so pleased to be able to bring this indoor playground to the Western New York community so that children of all walks of life can play, regardless of ability!”
“Dunn Tire is proud to be ingrained in the communities we have served for over 50 years,” said Robert Clark, Managing Director of Retail Operations, Dunn Tire. “Any time we have an opportunity to be involved with the youth of these communities is an opportunity to help shape our future. Collaborating with great organizations such as Explore & More and Mason’s Mission just makes sense, and we look forward to the happiness this playground brings to all families who experience it!”
When children of all abilities play together it illustrates how we are all more alike than different.
The Ferranti Family
Physical play not only helps a child to become stronger physically, there are numerous other components that are equally important. These components range from social engagement with other children to cognitive enrichment. Children who are able to play in this manner are ultimately more confident and engaging.
In an age where TV and video games tend to keep a lot of children indoors – at home throughout the winter – Explore & More is even more invaluable.
Great thanks is owed to local non-profit Mason’s Mission, an organization that has designed and created the 100% inclusive playground, of which there are only three in Buffalo. To get a better understanding of just how important this organization is in WNY, click here.
The fact that the Explore & More is indoors makes it even that much more important.
“People often talk about their own legacy – what they leave behind, what accomplishments they have made throughout their life to be recognized in years to come,” said Jason Evchich, founder of Mason’s Mission Foundation, and more importantly, father to Mason Jerome, Matthew Jason, and Mckenna Grace. “I look at my legacy and give it to my children. What we have done here and around Western New York to indelibly change the lives of so many kiddos and their families in the name of my children is the legacy. I may be forgotten in years to come, but my child’s name will affect the lives of families long after I am no longer. What better gift can a father have than his children to aspire to!”
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