All across the U.S., including here in Detroit, one nonprofit is hard at work bringing playgrounds -- and smiles -- to children in communities often overlooked.

Ad“Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children,” the report stated. Obviously, we adapt, and we have, but it’s going to be so great to be able to get these kids back to some “normal” free play environments. It’s an all-inclusive, barrier free playground for children of all abilities. Plenty of opportunities for unstructured play!” -- Sam“Blossom Heath Park in St. Clair Shores!!! It is also right on the water, so there are lots of birds and geese around which the kids love.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA has announced two programs intended to serve the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti community. The second is a collaborative effort to create a child development certificate program that aims to help Washtenaw Community College students gain experience in the field of child development. Child Development Certificate Pipeline ProgramThe Y also announced that the Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center is partnering with Engage@EMU and the Washtenaw Community College Early Childhood Program to offer a child development certificate. The CDC Pipeline Program will give WCC students an opportunity to have an in-person practicum at the Collaborative: YMCA Child Development Center after four semesters of online study. Once students complete the program, they can work at a child development center or use program credits to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education at Eastern Michigan University.