With an unwavering commitment to the power of play and learning, Greentrike continues to grow and improve their programs around Tacoma and JBLM. This commitment comes from thinking through what barriers exist and finding ways to create access for everyone.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Greentrike is a nonprofit that advocates for and models equitable access to playful experiences for children, youth, and families — because play is essential for learning, joy, and a thriving community. This philosophy is exemplified by their ‘Pay As You Will’ program, a donation-only admission policy at their two museum locations that increases access to high-quality playful experiences for families. “Another component of our model is creating multi-generational play that encourages resilient relationships,” said Alyssa Tongue, Chief Learning Experiences Officer at Greentrike.
With two museums, one in downtown Tacoma and one on the JBLM base, Greentrike also supports a variety of programs in Pierce County. Play to Learn is a free program for children and adults to play together that is offered at community locations throughout Pierce County. Greentrike operates Preschool Powered by Play, now located at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma campus and the Monarch Diaper program, where families receive diapers and wipes at no charge.
“Play to Learn and the Monarch Diaper Bank are free resources that are important for so many families impacted by the expensive life we live right now, because they aren’t covered by any other program,” said Tongue. She added, “Through generous donations from our community, Greentrike provides wrap-around support and an invitation to come and play with no admission.”
Greentrike has been led for 29 years by their CEO, Tanya Durand, who recently announced her retirement. According to Tongue, “Tanya was a huge gift to this organization and while we look forward to welcoming new leadership, her retirement is bittersweet.”
Going forward, the new leadership will be overseeing the one-of-a-kind play areas at their two locations as well as the fundraising, design and fabrication of an all-new learning water feature at the Tacoma location. The Greentrike Board ensures that play is a right for every child in our community.
For Additional Information
Greentrike
greentrike.org
BY LYNN CASTLE