Harckham Visits New Playgrounds at Mt. Kisco Child Care Center

Mount Kisco Child Care Center

State Sen. Pete Harckham with Dawn Meyerski, executive director of the Mount Kisco Child Care Center, and children at the center

Surface replacement project funded through $50K state grant secured by Harckham

Mount Kisco, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham visited the Mount Kisco Child Care Center recently to see two busy playgrounds that include newly installed surfaces, a replacement project funded by a $50,000 state grant that he secured. 

“Children love playground areas—it’s where they can learn relax, exercise and develop social skills, so it’s important that these spaces be as safe as possible,” said Harckham. “The new play surfaces have a non-abrasive, forgiving feel that the children can run and bounce around on. These are children from all income levels and different backgrounds, playing and learning together. I am glad to have been able to help the Mount Kisco Child Care Center complete this important project, and plan to return for another fun visit soon.” 

The Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s surface replacement project improved both the preschool playground and the toddler playground. The initial surfaces were from 2002, when the playgrounds were first constructed. Over the years, the surfaces have been subjected to numerous patchwork repairs. 

“Outdoor play tends to be where both children and their imaginations can run wild,” said Dawn Meyerski, executive director of MKCCC. “And playgrounds, which are essential for a young child’s development, are where children work together to engage in wonderful child-initiated themes and games, building the foundation for skills that they will carry with them long into adulthood. Thanks to help from Senator Harckham and a few others, we were able to provide these beautiful playgrounds for the children here.” 

The MKCCC grant was awarded in December 2021 by Senator Harckham and funded as part of the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to support community and economic development. Harckham has delivered more than $15,000,000 of state grant funding to municipalities and nonprofits in the 40th Senate District since taking office in 2019.