Children’s Museum at Saratoga Celebrates Grand Opening of New Courtyard Playground
The new playground was unveiled June 26 and opened on July 2
(Courtesy of CMAS)
Saratoga Springs — On June 26, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) celebrated the grand opening of their new Courtyard Playground — a vibrant, inclusive outdoor play space designed to spark imagination, promote physical activity, and connect children to nature.
The new space is open to the public beginning July 2.
The Courtyard Learning and Play Space brings the Museum’s mission of children learning through play into the fresh air. Designed with children of all abilities in mind, the playground features a fairytale-themed climber inspired by The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, interactive QR codes that tell stories in multiple languages, and a water-themed landscape that invites kids to engage their bodies and minds in creative play.
The Courtyard Learning and Play Space fulfills the need for outside play, while providing visitors with an area for Museum educational programs, art and cultural performances, and a play structure with a slide, a swing, and play equipment. Not only does the Learning and Play Space satisfy the need for an outdoor space, but it also allows the Museum to grow to accommodate its ever-increasing visitors and member families.
“This new outdoor space is a natural extension of our educational exhibits inside the Museum, and we’re so proud to bring this vision to life,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum at Saratoga. “We are deeply grateful to CDPHP and the Dake Foundation for Children as well as numerous individuals and local foundations and businesses for helping us launch and fund this dream. We are thankful to New York State Parks for their partnership which allows us to be a part of this amazing Park of the Arts complex.”
The thoughtfully designed playground is nestled within a curated landscape that protects the views of the historic Spa Park buildings and honors the Museum’s location within a state and nationally recognized historic site. Development of the space was done in collaboration with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Representatives from the Children’s Museum and elected officials cut the ribbon on the new playground (Courtesy of CMAS)
“I’m honored to help cut the ribbon on this beautiful new inclusive playground at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga,” said New York State Senator James Tedisco. “This outdoor space is more than just a playground – it’s a gateway to imagination, discovery, and confidence-building for children of all abilities. I applaud the Museum, CDPHP, the Dake Foundation for Children, and all the partners who made this inspiring vision a reality.”
“Saratoga Springs is known for many interesting venues and, included as one of the most engaging, is the Children’s Museum,” said Saratoga City Mayor John Safford. “Starting in its new location less than 5 years ago, it continues to successfully expand to provide a wonderful experience for children of all ages.”
For more information about the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, visit https://cmssny.org/.