Children First celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated playgrounds at the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning.

The project, called Playful Pathways, marks a major investment in outdoor learning and child development, made possible by the generosity of SYC Cares – the philanthropic arm of the Sarasota Yacht Club – and a host of local foundation partners.

SYC Cares awarded $75,000 to Children First through its annual grant program, which invites Sarasota Yacht Club members to nominate and vote on local nonprofit organizations that provide essential health, human service, and educational programs across Sarasota County. Following two rounds of voting, Children First was selected as a top recipient.

“Our members have always believed that giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said Stephania Feltz, Philanthropy and Special Projects Coordinator at Sarasota Yacht Club. “Each year we support local organizations that strengthen families and invest in our community’s future. Seeing these playgrounds filled with color, laughter, and learning reminds us why this work matters.”

“Through SYC Cares, our members have donated more than $1.4 million since 2017 to support causes that make Sarasota stronger,” added Commodore Milligan. “Children First embodies the compassion, service, and community spirit that we’re proud to champion.”

The redesigned playgrounds feature all-new surfacing, sunshades, climbing structures, a music center, a tricycle path, and interactive learning areas including a mud kitchen and art station. These elements support the agency’s nationally recognized HighScope curriculum, which emphasizes active, play-based learning as the foundation for early childhood development.

“This playground is more than a place to play,” said Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “It’s an extension of our classrooms – where children build confidence, explore the world around them, and learn essential social and problem-solving skills. We are deeply grateful to SYC Cares and to all of our partners who made this transformation possible.”

In addition to SYC Cares, major support came from Robin and Roy Grossman, Jan and Bill Farber, and Tom and Kathy Cook, with capping and recovery funding provided by the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation, Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation, Leslie and Dick Rivera through Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and an anonymous family foundation.

The project overcame delays caused by severe storms and hurricanes in late 2024, thanks to the combined resilience and generosity of these community partners.

Children First serves more than 1,200 children and family members daily across multiple sites in Sarasota County, offering high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family strengthening services.

With its latest designation as a five-time Program of Excellence by the National Head Start Association, the agency continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact in early childhood education.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.
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