Library to hold grand opening for Nature Play Space

The Saline County Library has completed construction on its first Nature Play Space and is inviting the public to a grand opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The Nature Play Space is housed at the Benton branch of the Saline County Library located at 1800 Smithers Dr. This space has been designed for children to have hands-on play with natural elements. Studies have shown that outdoor play has many benefits for children who regularly play in natural settings including:

• Ability to cope with stress

• Increased activity levels

• Improvement in fine and gross motor skills

• Increased self-discipline, observation, and reasoning skills

• Improved concentration

• Strengthened immune system

• Decreased symptoms of ADD/ADHD and behavioral disorders

This outdoor space will encourage families to play in nature and demonstrate to caregivers how they can create their own spaces at home.

In order to get this project off the ground, the Saline County Library sought sponsorships for the various play features and brick pavers that make up the sidewalk. Brick pavers were sponsored by the following people and businesses:

• A Caddie’s Touch Lawn & Landscape

• Amber Powell

• Arkansas Medical Staffing

• Camp Happy Tails

• Desmond and Janine Miller

•Dorothy Hazlip

• First Electric Cooperative

• First Security Bank

• Gann Museum

• Healing Waters Outreach

• Lantrip Construction

• Saline Courier

Play features and benches were donated by, or in honor of, the following people and businesses:

• Bryant Rotary & Kids Closet

• Everett Buick GMC

• In Memory of Donnie House

• Mara Leveritt and Linda Bessette

This project is made possible with American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program and administered by the Arkansas State Library.

For more information, including a calendar of upcoming events, visit www. Salinecountylibrary.org or call 501-778-4766.