The event will take place at Marshall Park, 1069 E McLoughlin Blvd. in Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VANCOUVER – Columbia Play Project will host its first annual Grandparents Play Day at Marshall Park on Sunday (Sept. 10) from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Columbia Play Project staff will welcome grandparents, grandchildren, parents, caregivers and everyone to the First Annual Grandparents Play Day.  Designed as child-led exploratory play, the free event will include music, art, science, giant bubbles, construction toys and other engaging activities and will showcase the newly remodeled, inclusive playground.   The event will take place at Marshall Park, 1069 E McLoughlin Blvd. in Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Exploratory play is good for everyone” said Columbia Play Project Executive Director Jeanne Bennett.  “Columbia Play Project hosts many free events throughout the year to encourage everyone to play together, enjoy each other’s company and experience the joy that comes from taking time to engage with children and grandchildren.  By hosting our first annual Grandparents Play Day at the newly renovated Marshall Park, we hope grandparents (or any adult) will bring their grandchildren or young friends to play with our toys, slide down the hill, or dance along to the Vancouver Community Concert Band.”  

The event is free to everyone.  There will be a raffle to win a set of Builder Boards, a kit that children can use to build a 4’ by 4’ house with a roof. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100.  Kona Ice will be available throughout the day.  Vancouver Community Concert Band will perform from 11 a.m.-noon. 

Columbia Play Project is an intentionally planned project designed to expand exploratory play options to children and families throughout our communities.  Exploratory play grows healthy children and vibrant communities.  The Columbia Play Project exists to be a hub where all families can safely engage, connect, explore and ignite their imaginations.  

Columbia Play Project has a three-phase plan to create exploratory play activities focused on the themes Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math.  Phase I, launched in December 2021, includes a play-kit called “Welcome to the Ecosystem.”  The kit includes a 100-page activity book, slot-together critters, colored pencils, stickers and a canvas string bag.  Phase II, a Mobile Children’s Museum, began serving Clark County in September 2022.  The Mobile Children’s Museum allows a children’s museum to set-up indoors or outdoors and is available for rental by schools, preschools, clubs, organizations, businesses or anyone.  Phase III is a full-scale bricks and mortar exploratory play space with indoor and outdoor play areas, permanent and rotating exhibits, a variety of laboratories, a makerspace and a curated children’s library.  www.columbiaplayproject.org