Celebrating Growth and Play:
Construction Begins on Penfield Children’s
Updated Indoor Playground, “Camp Wilder.”
Penfield Children’s Center has officially begun construction on its reimagined indoor playground, marking an exciting milestone in its mission to support the growth and development of Milwaukee’s youngest learners. On Monday, December 9, 2024, community members, partners, and Penfield staff gathered for a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony that unveiled the playground’s new name: Camp Wilder, in honor of Wilder Penfield, the founder of Penfield Children’s Center.
A Transformative Vision
The groundbreaking event celebrated the first steps toward transforming the beloved indoor playground into Camp Wilder, a dynamic space designed to ignite imagination and support skill development for children aged 1-5. Thanks to the generous support of a $480,000 capital campaign, the space will feature interactive play stations, including a tree fort, pirate ship, and RV camper, all brought to life by Captivate Exhibits.
A Moment to Remember
Attendees heard inspiring remarks from Penfield’s leadership team, including Polina Makievsky, President and CEO. “Camp Wilder represents a significant investment in our mission to support the growth and development of children in our care,” Makievsky shared. “This innovative space will provide an even more engaging and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive.”
The event also highlighted the collaboration with construction partners Smart Spaces, a BSI integration partner, and Selzer-Ornst, who ceremonially began the demolition to kick off this exciting project.
Honoring Our Legacy
The naming of Camp Wilder pays tribute to Wilder Penfield, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for the center’s decades of service to Milwaukee’s families. This newly reimagined playground reaffirms Penfield’s commitment to providing positive early experiences from pregnancy through age five, when the foundations for lifelong development are established.
What’s Next?
Construction is now underway, and Penfield Children’s Center looks forward to unveiling Camp Wilder as a space where Milwaukee’s children can build skills, confidence, and cherished memories. The new playground is expected to open its doors in the coming months, providing a state-of-the-art environment for growth and play.
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