ECC is launching our newest effort to Nurture Beginnings for a Lifetime by inviting families to play together in familiar community spaces and enjoy greater connection, learning, and health. Our long-term goal is to make early learning visible and do-able by turning the entire community of Stillwater into a play-full environment, one park, sidewalk, public artwork, and community event at a time.

For our first project, we are installing QR code signage throughout downtown Stillwater through a community collaboration with the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar, Stillwater Public Library, Visit Stillwater, and the City of Stillwater. Scan the code for instant access to short, simple, play-based activities designed specifically for that location. These activities are designed to spark interaction—not just keeping kids busy, but helping caregivers and children connect, explore, and learn together in real time.

Let’s PLAY launches on June 11th at Chris Salmon Plaza in downtown Stillwater, from 10 am to Noon. We will be unveiling Let’s PLAY QR code signs at five different locations around the block. At each location that day, we’ll have in-person, fun activities to play and connect with at a public artwork. In conjunction with Stillwater Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, we’ll have ECC and Library volunteers at each site, along with other special guests. We hope you will join us!

June 11 also happens to be “International Day of Play”. The theme this year is “Protect play, protect childhood”. The theme is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – that happy and healthy childhoods are built on play. Make a plan to carve out some time that day for your family to play with neighbors and friends.

Learn more on the Let’s PLAY page on our website and fill out the survey to help us find locations and think of new ways to make our community PLAY-FULL!