September 21, 2015
Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Impact Alamance, Children’s Museum of Alamance County (CMAC) is moving forward with plans to enhance the exhibit called “My Own Back Yard.” The new additions to the outside exhibit include natural play areas such as a secret passage tunnel for climbing and crawling, a sand pit circle surrounded by log stumps for powwows and “fossil” digs, log ball roll, labyrinth, planting areas and lush garden arches for walking and sitting.
Impact Alamance aims to strategically invest in our community for hope, health and prosperity. As part of the Cone Network, the organization works on improving the overall health of the community and focuses funding primarily on children. “The My Own Back Yard project is right in line with our funding priority to build healthy environments that increase access to healthy play,” says Impact Alamance president, Tracey Grayzer. “We’re delighted to partner with the Children’s Museum of Alamance County on a project that creates a place where our county’s young children can be physically active in an space that also stimulates learning,” she adds.
The additions to My Own Back Yard bring CMAC closer to completion of their master plan. “We are excited about our partnership with Impact Alamance, this project and the health benefits these additions will provide to children of Alamance County and beyond. Physical activity and development, mental and social development as well as team-building will be fostered in this new outdoor environment,” said Susan Purvis Hollan, executive director and chief museum officer of CMAC. The museum plans a ribbon-cutting grand opening of My Own Back Yard for children, as well as a “Grown-Up Play Date” for adults to benefit the museum October 24th.
Since opening October 6, 2012, the museum has hosted over 195,000 visits from children and their families. CMAC has served over 13,000 children through their field trip programs.
The Children’s Museum of Alamance County (CMAC) is a 501©3 privately funded non-profit that encourages children to exercise their curiosity, develop their imagination and discover their world through exploration. CMAC is located at 217 South Main Street in downtown Graham in the center of Alamance County. Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit website
