There is a lot of joy at the Parkes Toy Library with the opening of its brand new room filled with fun toys to help kids develop fine and gross motor skills.
The new room aptly named Go Active Kids! was made possible with a $3,000 grant from Northparkes Mines.
“Toys are very expensive, especially toys for children with special needs,” said Kate Anderson, a co-ordinator at the library. “You never know whether these specialised toys are going to work with your child.”
With the help of Angela Wilson of the Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group and an occupational therapist at the Parkes Hospital, they were able to buy a wide range of toys including wobble chairs, scooterboards, speech cards, timers, exercise balls, stepping stones, tunnels and many more.
Like the rest of the library, the toys can be borrowed by all children for a period of two weeks.
“So far the kids love the new toys,” said Kate as four kids jump away in an impromptu sack race. The main idea is to get kids moving, to play outside and get them away from the screens,” said Kate.
For Mel Ingram, who also helps out at the library, the toys are perfect for kids who are always on the go. Cheryl Thompson of the Parish Council said the new room would not have been possible without the grant from the mine.
“We are excited to bring this service to the community.”
By Maggi Barnard