Back to School Success Story: Creative Play Children’s Learning Center in Gulfport Reopens with Learning Garden In Lieu of Playground

Published on: Aug 14, 2020

Courtesy of Creative Play Children’s Learning Center

As Susan Belcher, owner of Creative Play Children’s Learning Center in Gulfport, began planning the reopening of her center after having to close for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she found out that playground equipment could not be used upon re-opening. So she dug in her heels and sprouted an idea to transform the campus into a mini-farm and focus on environment and wellness. The school re-opened on Wednesday, August 12.

Here is part of her story that appeared in 83 Degrees Media. Read entire article

While it has been challenging coping with the financial impact of COVID and the uncertainty of everything, Belcher is now able to see it as a gift. 

“We are thinking outside the box and excited about the changes,” says Belcher. “We have a two-year plan and will be documenting everything to create a model for other centers. We’re teaching children about the earth and about sustainability.” 

On Saturday, August 1, the center held a family farm day with parents, children, and interested community members lending a hand.  An outdoor patio is now a large outdoor classroom with shaded areas, misters, and fans. There are worm boxes, raised gardening beds, compost bins, and a dozen fruit trees with plans for up to a dozen more.