New Outdoor Children's Museum Launching in West Sacramento
The Californer/10294539

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Californer -- The Wonder Grove, a nonprofit outdoor children's museum, is in the early stages of development and fundraising. Spearheaded by a group of passionate local educators, parents, and community leaders, The Wonder Grove aims to create an immersive space where children can explore, learn, and grow through hands-on activities in the great outdoors. The all-outdoor concept is poised to bring a unique experience to the Sacramento region. The museum's founders are collaborating with key community partners to secure a location for the museum.

"Children, and adults, benefit from being in natural spaces. We want to provide access to nature for all families, a place to learn through wonder and discovery," says Rachelle Ahmad, one of The Wonder Grove's co-founders. The museum's design will prioritize hands-on learning experiences that promote physical activity, social interaction, and environmental awareness. Research indicates that such experiences are crucial to child development and can positively mpact physical and mental health.

To support the development of this project, The Wonder Grove will be hosting its inaugural

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fundraiser event, "Taste of West Sac" on October 19, 2024 at Jackrabbit Brewing in West
Sacramento. Join them for a night of local bites, live entertainment, a silent auction, and to learn more about the museum's vision. All proceeds will go towards securing the museum's location and bringing the first exhibits to life.

As plans for the outdoor space take shape, The Wonder Grove is hosting free neighborhood playgroups in local parks. These informal meetups include unstructured play, nature walks, science, and art programming designed for ages 1-8 but all are welcome. "Having a child-centered play venue here in town is just what West Sac needs! We don't have to drive over the river for an activity. Having this in town makes it so accessible! We have been attending The Wonder Grove playgroups just a few minutes from our house. Their staff have been so awesome with encouraging exploration and creativity through play. As a mom of three disabled children, I'm looking forward to having a space where they can safely explore the beauty of nature," says West Sacramento resident, Kristine Brown.

As a nonprofit, the museum is seeking sustaining donors and corporate sponsors to ensure its long-term success. Various sponsorship levels are available, offering opportunities for local businesses and individuals to contribute to this valuable community resource. They are also looking for dedicated community members to fill board member vacancies.
For more information about The Wonder Grove, the upcoming fundraiser, or sponsorship
opportunities, please visit www.thewondergrove.org or contact Rachelle Ahmad at
rachelle@thewondergrove.org.