An exciting and innovative addition has come to the YMCA of the Foothills – Verdugo Hills: a new accessible playground at the Learning Tree Preschool made possible through the generous donation of the Mary Pinola & Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund.

The playground’s unveiling and dedication took place on Friday, June 16 where members of the foundation gathered with YMCA of the Foothills CEO Vince Iuculano for a ribbon cutting, demonstration and dedication of the new playground, sponsored by J’s Maintenance. The Learning Tree Preschool’s playground will allow students of all ability levels to participate in activities and learn without boundaries.

“We were delighted to partner with the YMCA to complete the fundraising for the project,” said Mary Pinola, chair of the Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund. “In keeping with the Y’s mission, the Education Fund is also dedicated to supporting exemplary educational programs and providing opportunity for all members of our community to participate. We believe in the power of play to stimulate imaginative thinking and communication skills. A special thank you to our Board of Advisors who voted to provide a gift of $35,000 to help make this inspiring Y preschool project possible: Rick Dinger, Jo Loomis, Jean Maluccio, Bobbi Parker, Julia Rabago, Teri Rice, Patty Steur, Eleanor Wacker and Chris Waldheim.”

The new playground was specifically designed to ensure the ability to interact with inclusive play settings, an essential part of the development of students with disabilities. Inclusive playgrounds help to promote awareness and acceptance throughout students’ time at the Learning Tree Preschool in line with the mission of the YMCA of the Foothills.

The mission of the YMCA of the Foothills is to organize, develop, finance and conduct programs for an association of persons of all ages that will, by putting Christian principles into practice, enrich the quality of their lives spiritually, mentally, physically and socially.