Glenview Methodist Preschool (GMPS) in Glenview celebrated its new outdoor tricycle track when preschoolers used kid-friendly scissors to cut numerous lines of blue curling ribbon at an Oct. 12 early evening ribbon cutting ceremony.
Started in 2021, the $100,000 plus project was completed this past summer, “and has already been a wonderful addition for this year’s students,” said Melissa Niver of Glenview, who spoke on behalf of the school as part of GMPS media relations.
“No other school in the area has anything like this, and thanks to the support of our staff, parents and the Village of Glenview trustees, we were able to create something truly special,” Niver said.
The Thursday half-hour ribbon cutting event allowed children to ride around the track. Rain held off for the 30 minutes of welcome remarks, ribbon cutting and ride around playtime. The overcast weather had outdoor temperatures of 58 degrees. The event transitioned to an indoor family night, an annual event.
Construction of the fenced in track began last May, said Karen Coan, the preschool’s director. Final touches this month included planting bushes. The sidewalks or riding strips will be striped.
Coan said the track helps the children, “to be in nature, and just exploring nature.
“This has been a dream, this project.”
Coan said children have found interesting insects on tree trunks here and, “They find things in the grass that are growing.”
Coan said state child care restoration grants received during the COVID-19 pandemic helped to make the track possible.
“We used a portion of that money, we never could have done this project without that money,” Coan said.
Coan acknowledged the Glenview Board of Trustees for project approvals.
“They were super supportive,” Coan said about the village. “Thank you for supporting this project. I hope it adds to the community.”
Glenview Village Trustee Katie Jones attended the ribbon cutting. Her daughters Savannah and Scarlett Jones are names included on the 2023 trike track sponsors plaque at the track’s gate. Both girls attended this preschool and their father is Matt Jones.
Katie Jones served on the board of directors for Glenview Methodist Preschool, including one year as president.
“This has been a dream in the making,” she said. “We had some hurdles that we had to get over, we were hoping that this would be done in the spring so that last year’s class could enjoy part of it.
“But just like anything, with construction, things come up … so now it’s just beautiful and it’s also another thing that the kids can do and use.
“Cycling keeps them active,” Jones added.
The preschool has 111 students aged 2 to 5.
“This is a nonprofit, private preschool that people from all over Glenview, and even outside of Glenview, come to, so it was a community effort for sure,” Jones said.
More Top Picks Best Carbon Fiber Folding Electric Wheelchairs
“We all kind of had the same vision and same hopes for how this would turn out.”
Alex Simon of Glenview, preschool board member, addressed the ribbon cutting audience before the scissors photo opportunity moment.
Simon was, “very excited.
“We’re really happy to see the kids finally getting to use it,” Simon added.
George and Julie Lappas of Glenview attended with children Christos, 7, a second-grader and Daphne, 4.
“It’s just really exciting that the kids have another avenue for being outside and doing something playful and fun,” Julie Lappas said.
Ben Riggin and Elise Heilman of Glenview are the parents of Owen, 3, and Marcus, 9 months.
“Getting kids on the bikes, learning how they work, getting out there and playing with it is the best way to learn that,” Ben Riggin said.
The track is a way to instill a love of cycling for fitness early before adulthood, several parents agreed.
“I’ve seen more agile three and four year olds on bikes than I’ve seen anywhere else here,” Riggin said with a smile.
Visit https://glenviewmethodistpreschool.com.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.