The Reading Garden at the Daviess County Public Library recently received some new additions thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Owensboro. The recently-installed outdoor music instruments include chimes, drums and metallophones.
Sarah Hulsey, president of the Owensboro Kiwanis Club, said when the club celebrated their 75 years in 2015, they decided to honor past and present members with a project that would benefit all children in the local community.
“After a few years of trying to find the right spot, we agreed the Daviess County Public Library was the perfect group to partner with — they share a similar mission and vision we have as a club for children and families,” she said. “Not to mention the location of the library is central and easily accessible by car, bike or bus. Also, there are already so many children and families that frequent there and utilize their programs.”
Hulsey said the group’s goal was to build a play area that was unique and unlike anything else in Owensboro and Daviess County. She said it was also important the area be inclusive, so children and adults of all abilities could play with the equipment and interact with each other.
“The Reading Garden is the perfect spot, with sidewalks that lead into the garden and around the instruments, plus a fence to protect children,” she said. The library is an amazing and crucial asset to our community. My family is so thankful for all they do, and probably like most families in our community, loves going there to read, explore, and play. Not only do we get to do that inside their facility, but now outside as well with the addition of the musical play equipment.”
Research has shown that reading, playing and music are three things that are key to the social development of children.
“We as a club are ecstatic to be able to provide children the opportunity to develop in those areas with the addition of the musical play equipment,” she said. “We are so proud of the project and excited for children and families to have the opportunity to play on it in the library’s Reading Garden.”
