New preschool programs coming to Wildwood

Mentor cultural hub featuring old-time fun, games

An influx of young families in Mentor is prompting city officials to increase offerings for preschoolers.

Staff at city-owned-and-operated Wildwood Cultural Center plan some new programs starting this month.

They involve old-fashioned toys and pioneer games, and learning about Native Americans.

“We are bringing more preschool, family, teen and adult outdoor and cultural programing to the hidden gem of Wildwood’s Manor Home and its 34 acres of property,” Mentor Recreation Coordinator Linda Wintersteller said.

Program details are as follows:

• Good Ole Summertime Games — 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 11. Children will play various lawn and table games of yesteryear, including croquet, bocce ball, graces, jacks, tag, and sack races. Location: Wildwood front lawn.

• Native American Program — 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 25. Children will get to play with toys used by pioneer youngsters, such as clothespin drop, graces and marbles. Location: Wildwood South Wing.

• Pioneer Games — 10 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 23. Children will learn what an archaeologist does and what an artifact is by participating in an archaeological dig. They will learn how Native Americans lived and make a necklace of their own to take home. Location: Wildwood South Wing.

All programs are designed for children ages 3 to 5 and will be led by members of Lake County Historical Society.

Cost is $8 per child for residents and $10 per child for nonresidents for each program.

The center, purchased by the city in 1980, has offered preschool programs before, from cooking classes to story time. However, they are expanding programming in answer to visitor feedback.

“We are seeing a lot more young families moving into Mentor and wanting to get involved in recreation, especially cultural programs, (such as) art, piano lessons, outdoor education, etc.,” said Wildwood Cultural Center manager Nick Standering, adding that parent response has been positive. “Attendance among families with preschoolers has been good, especially with our popular Mysteries of the Manor Trail and Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods, which is open to all ages.

“We saw a need for more programming and we listened to what parents want.”

Preregistration for the programs is required. Call the Wildwood Cultural Center at 440-9745735. The center is located at 7645 Little Mountain Road.