Playground Project 2026 is Eldora Children’s Center’s commitment to building a safe, accessible, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play space from the ground up for the children and families we serve.

Our center cares for children ranging from infancy through school age, and outdoor play is a critical part of their daily learning and well-being. This new playground will be intentionally designed to meet Iowa child care licensing requirements, prioritize safety, and support active play, social development, and creativity across age groups.

Rather than relocating or reusing outdated equipment, this project focuses on installing a brand-new playground. The completed space will serve approximately 75 enrolled children, support our staff, and provide families with confidence that their children are playing in a secure, thoughtfully designed environment.

Playground Project 2026 is an investment not only in play — but in child development, family stability, and the long-term strength of our community.

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Why it Matters

 

Outdoor play is essential to early childhood development. It supports:

• Physical health and motor skill development

• Social interaction and cooperation

• Creativity, imagination, and problem-solving

• Emotional well-being and daily joy

A safe, engaging playground also gives families peace of mind — knowing their children have space to play freely in a secure environment built just for them.

For many working families in Hardin County, Eldora Children’s Center is more than child care — it is a foundation that allows parents to work, support their households, and contribute to the local economy. This project strengthens that foundation.

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Project Overview​

Playground Project 2026 will create a complete outdoor play environment designed for safety, accessibility, and everyday use in a licensed child care setting. The project includes:

• Brand new age-appropriate playground structure designed to support physical development, coordination, and imaginative play

• Fall-safe playground surfacing to reduce injury risk and meet licensing and safety standards

• A fully fenced and secure playground area, creating a safe boundary for active play and giving families peace of mind

• An accessible layout that supports children of varying developmental stages

• A dedicated outdoor space where children can build social skills, confidence, and independence through play

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Once completed; this playground will provide a safe, engaging environment where children can run, climb, explore, and connect every day for years to come! 

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Our Progress and Ongoing Need​

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Thanks to generous community support, grants, and donations, Eldora Children’s Center has successfully completed both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of our 2025 Relocation and Remodel; successfully remodeling, bringing to code, and moving into a new facility and installing a dedicated parking lot for family safety and convenience.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses, and organizations who have helped us move forward.

However, Phase 3 Playground Project 2026 still requires additional funding to become a reality. Every contribution — large or small — directly supports the creation of a safe outdoor space for the children who rely on us each day.

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How You Can Help

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You can support Playground Project 2026 by:

• Making a financial donation

• Participating in fundraising events (see below)

• Sharing our project with friends, family, and local businesses

 

Donations via check or cash can be made

payable to Eldora Children's Center (memo: Playground Project) and mailed to:

Eldora Children's Center

1025 11th Ave

Eldora, IA 50627

Donations can also be made online using the button below:

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Concept Design & Vision

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The concept design below represents our vision of safe and fun outdoor play space we are building for our community's children. We will share firm design plans when available. Your support helps turn this vision into reality.

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