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Five families who have children with disabilities started Center for Creative Play. They wanted to create an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed. They collaborated with five social service agencies:
- Louise Child Care
- Early Learning Institute
- UCP of Pittsburgh
- Allegheny Intermediate Unit Head Start
- Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Head Start
Five mothers were instrumental in the creation of Center for Creative Play and each of the moms wanted something different:
- One wanted to borrow toys
- Another wanted to use adapted technology
- Another wanted a place to network with other parents
- Another wanted a place where all of their children were welcomed
The agencies dared the parents to think big. And they did.
In October of 1995, the visions of Susan Caretti, Caroline Glover (Glass), Sharon Gretz, Betty Mickens, and Lynn Meyers resulted in the opening of Center for Creative Play in its original location in downtown Pittsburgh. In the first year, CFCP had 1,000 visitors.
In October 2001, CFCP purchased its own building in a more convenient location and tripled the playfloor space to 15,000 square feet. In the first year of operation in the new location, CFCP had more than 51,000 visitors.
In 2001 CFCP also nationally launched its first musical CD, Time to Sing!™, and entered into a collaboration with Boundless Playgrounds™ to build inclusive playspaces throughout the state of Michigan (the ABLE TO PLAY project launched with a lead gift from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, MI). As a result of this grant, there are currently three new Center for Creative Play Environments in Michigan.
In 2005, CFCP celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a Play Summit and officially launched its Advisory Practice. The Advisory Practice is a division of CFCP dedicated to assisting other communities as they address the importance of play through trainings, consulting, and the design and development of fully inclusive playspaces.
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