YWCA Greater Green Bay opens new and improved rooftop playground

Wednesday, The YWCA held a ribbon cutting ceremony now that changes are complete at the Marguerite Kress Terrace Childcare Playground. The original playground was built more than 20 years ago, according to the YWCA.

Kids had the opportunity to play on the newly complete playground after the ceremony.

“Access to safe, high-quality childcare continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing families today,” YWCA Executive Director Amy Schaueble said in a news release. “Parents need reliable care so they can work, provide for their families, and contribute to our local economy. The rooftop playground is a critical part of that high-quality childcare, providing a safe outdoor space where children can be active, healthy, and develop through play.”

Previously the playground consisted of a pair of wooden playsets with slides and tricycles and scooters on a part of the building’s roof. Now, new turf is placed on the roof with a small in-built turf hill with a tunnel. A metal play airplane frame provides a unique seesaw like experience. Kids can spin a steering wheel and tilt the plane to the left and right.

A mural thanking Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation adorns one of the walls leading to the playground. Green Bay Packaging and the Kress Foundation made a donation to build the new playground.

“We’re really proud of this project,” said George Kress Foundation President Michelle Hansen. “We understand how quality childcare is so important to children and families in our community, so to partner with the YW and really enhance this space for children and families so they can thrive and be active is really, it’s a wonderful project to participate in.”

The playground will be used by kids in the YWCA’s early childcare program.