The Tomah Health Community Foundation is helping children to learn, play, and connect with others. Members of the foundation donated $3,000 to the Tomah Parks & Recreation Dept.’s Recreation Station April 15.
Tomah Parks & Recreation director Joe Protz said the donation will be used to expand early childhood development including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math better known as STEM programing along early literacy at Recreation Station. “I think we got away from just having kids, especially the young infants and children at toddler age, just being creative and letting their minds be creative and develop with different sensory items, educational items, play items, and just letting their mind grow,” explained Protz.
He said early exposure to STEM encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. “It gives them an opportunity to expand their horizons with, education and just, making them think and being creative on their own and being able to play.”
Protz said the foundation’s donation will add STEM-focused play materials such as a magnet wall with magnetic exploration pieces, an expanded selection of building and engineering toys, and other hands-on discovery tools. He said they also plan to introduce STEM concepts through engaging demonstrations and activities.
City officials renovated the former Tomah North Side Fire Station in 2023 to facilitate Recreation Station gym and play area for children ages 5 and under. Over the past year, officials say 300 families visited Recreation Station.
“It continues to be a great place,” added Protz. “We have Recreation Station aide Jen Adler and a great group of volunteers that come and help her out with our special events, and just they’re very creative on changing things up throughout the week.”
Foundation vice president Jeremy Haldeman said the donation supports the mission of the foundation to help not-for-profit organizations that enhance the health and wellness of residents in Monroe County. “It absolutely supports our mission,” said Haldeman. “There are just so many things for these youth in our area and they don’t always have a lot of opportunities. This space has really evolved over the years, and the amount of activities is amazing and the things that they are putting in is truly great.”
Protz added that Foundation’s support helps offer additional opportunities. “We need support from the community, and the Tomah Health Foundation has been great over the years, especially when just opening Recreation Station. Everybody knows budgets are tight and by providing donations and grants, it helps us expand programs and gives us more opportunity to provide services to the community.”
For additional information on the facility, CLICK HERE