The work of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma evolved and grew over the last decade. As a nationally-recognized education and advocacy organization that became more than a museum, they changed their name to Greentrike in fall 2019 to reflect that growth. 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.
According to Alyssa Tongue, Chief Learning Experiences Officer at Greentrike, “First and foremost, we take children and youth seriously, consider them authentic, and listen to them when they tell us what they want. We consider them our co-creators.” She added, “The Greentrike name symbolizes what we do. It propels the organization forward.”
Tongue’s journey with Greentrike started as a child when she was a visitor of the former Tacoma Children’s Museum. Her experiences instilled her with a passion to seek a career in early childhood education. She began as a volunteer and formally joined the team in 2009.
With two museums, one in downtown Tacoma and one at JBLM, 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 at Hoyt Early Learning Center in Proctor and they recently added the Monarch Diaper Bank program, where families can visit the Tacoma location and receive diapers and wipes at no charge.
“On Thursday and Saturdays from noon to 4pm, families are able to access a free quality experience in the play gallery and receive much-needed resources from the Monarch program,” said Tongue.
To further their goal of accessible play, Greentrike began the ‘Pay As You Will’ donation model which means admission at its two museums is by donation only. All donations made support the museums and keep it accessible for every family in our community. This one-of-a-kind payment structure has been nationally recognized and ensures that Greentrike manifests its commitment to access.
“There are no barriers for families to connect and thrive.”
Greentrike
greentrike.org
BY LYNN CASTLE