TOPO Explorers: PreK in the Park
City of Harbor Springs Parks and Recreation to Host PreK TOPO Explorers This Summer
Harbor Springs, Michigan–June 16, 2021 – The parks of Harbor Springs will be the scene of joyful learning experiences for preK children this summer with a new collaboration between City of Harbor Springs Parks and Recreation and TOPOnexus. Kids will be exploring and making discoveries with an innovative program designed by TOPOnexus called TOPO Explorers: PreK in the Parks. Sessions will be held on Fridays – July 16, July 23, August 6, and August 13 from 10:00AM-11:00AM.
Four different city parks will be showcased: the north side of Zorn Park, Kiwanis Park, Shay Park and Harborview Park. These parks have varied topography, uses, and history as well as access to shade, bathrooms, and easy parking. Each session of TOPO Explorers will feature a weekly “Discovery Tool” such as magnifying glasses or pretend binoculars to help kids engage with their surroundings. Explorers will tap into their six senses (including wonder!) to experience the setting. Then they’ll choose from fun and focused activities around the park like a seek n’ find or building an animal habitat. The sessions are play-based, place-based, and wonder-based for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.
TOPO Explorers was designed to fill a need for innovative preK programming that helps our youngest learners and their families connect to place in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way. The goal is for kids to have fun and for adults to walk away with a new approach and to get out and explore more on their own. “This is a fantastic opportunity to connect our youngsters with the city parks in a way that reaches them on their level,” says Kate Cohen of TOPOnexus, who will facilitate the sessions and has taught kindergarten and preschool in WA, CA and MI.
Sessions are outdoors at four different city park locations from 10AM-11AM on Fridays, July 16, July 23, August 6 and August 13. Kids ages 3-5. Younger or older siblings are welcome. Note: adults are required to stay; this is not a drop-off program. $10 per child. Registration is required and space is limited to 12 kids. To register go to www.toponexus.org. Email kate@toponexus.org for more information.
