UC Riverside’s childcare center has an improved play space for children with the recent renovation of a playground.

The Center for Early Childhood Education, or CECE, completed the renovation of its south yard in late January, replacing old equipment with new play structures including swings and slides.

The project has been several years in the making with plans to start in 2018 that were delayed by the pandemic. It was restarted last year.

“We’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for a long time, and we’re thrilled to finally see it happening,” said Davina Marie Bailey, CECE director.

The original playground built in 1996 had tree roots pushing up in the ground, creating a potential hazard. It was demolished and replaced with a new surface and modern play structures. New shade structures, soft rubberized surfaces, a grassy turf area, plants, and lighting were installed.

The new equipment is made of heat-resistant and long-lasting materials and designed to create a more inclusionary environment, with features that include a stairwell and handrail at one play structure.

A second phase of the project, renovating the center’s north play yard in a similar fashion, is underway and expected to be completed by April.

The project includes grading of the site, planting new trees, and replacement of surface areas and old equipment with new structures and soft rubberized surfaces. It will include nature-themed materials like sitting logs, stepping stones, and sand areas.

Bailey described the play areas as an extension of the classroom environment, creating a safe, engaging area for children.

“Our goal is to create outdoor environments that allow children to explore freely and safely,” she said. “Ensuring there is ample space for children to run, jump, ride a bike, chase a friend, climb a tree, rest in the shaded grass areas, and look at clouds or birds in the sky in safe spaces is essential to promoting stewardship and caring.”