October 29 marked a major milestone in a $1.75 million investment expanding toddler and preschool capacity in Crawford County. The ribbon was officially cut on a new playground at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrison-Crawford Counties facility in Marengo.
In addition to the new playground, the project, which leveraged $1 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 funding, is expanding and making significant building improvements, including replacing the HVAC system, adding new flooring, improving entry security, and making exterior upgrades. While the interior renovation is still underway, the facility has already added 31 seats for two-year-olds and four-year-old preschool students, reducing the number of seats needed in Crawford County by 20%.
“We are thrilled about the impact this will have on children enrolled in our Crawford County Club’s early childcare and after-school programs, as well as the broader community,” said Kim Grizzel, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrison-Crawford Counties. “With nearly 5,000 square feet of new playground space, state-of-the-art equipment, and pour-in-place safety surfacing, this playground will offer an experience unlike anything available in Crawford County. This investment creates a space where children can play, explore, build friendships, and develop important skills in a safe and engaging environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to create a lasting impact on the families and communities we serve”
In tandem with the facility upgrades, the Boys & Girls Club is partnering with Uplands Smart Start (a regional early learning initiative of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County) to invest in staff professional development. Through Uplands Smart Start’s Child Development Associate (CDA) cohort program, early childhood educators are working toward nationally recognized credentials that strengthen teaching practices and enhance learning experiences for children. This partnership also supports the Boys & Girls Club’s efforts to achieve Level 3 in Paths to QUALITY™, Indiana’s statewide quality rating and improvement system for early care and education.
“Access to quality childcare is essential to a prosperous region. When children have a strong start, and parents have dependable care, families have more opportunities to build their futures here in the Indiana Uplands,” said Tina Peterson, president and CEO of Regional Opportunity Initiatives. “This investment in Crawford County demonstrates how READI helps turn local priorities into lasting regional benefits. By expanding early learning opportunities alongside investments in housing, talent development, and quality of place, we are strengthening the foundations that help our communities and employers grow.”
Indiana’s READI program is a $1.25 billion investment in regional-led strategies designed to strengthen communities, retain and attract top talent, and increase opportunities for Hoosiers for years to come.
Crawford County is part of the 10-county Indiana Uplands region led by Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) that was awarded $60 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds to grow the region’s capacity as a national hub for innovation; develop and attract in-demand talent; advance housing, infrastructure, and place-based assets; and enhance the region’s unique cultural, artistic, physical, and livable amenities.
To learn more about the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, visit the IEDC’s READI website, www.indianareadi.com. To learn more about READI projects in the Indiana Uplands, visit: https://regionalopportunityinc.org/readi/