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Recreation Center Lets Kids Be Kids

By SHERRI LONON

IN THE LOOP

Published: January 21, 2009

On any given Monday, Wednesday or Friday, visitors to the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex will find that toddlers run the show.

Enjoying almost free rein - supervised by parents, grandparents and sitters, of course - little ones age 3 and under take over the facility's indoor gymnasium for two hours on each of those days for Toddler Time.

The special sessions give little ones a place to play, socialize and learn to share, said Cindy Szappan, recreation supervisor for the complex.

The program launched several years ago and is now a mainstay at the center during most seasons except for summers when full day camps are in session. During the program, staff members bring out mats, toys, nylon crawling tunnels, colorful blocks and other items for the children to play with.

The idea to create Toddler Time basically came from a desire to make sure the complex's facilities were open to Pasco County residents of all ages at different times during the week, said Szappan.

"There is open gym time for (adults and older children)," she pointed out.

For mother Alexis Newgent, Toddler Time has been a favorite activity for more than a year.

"It's something to get them out of the house and it's free," she said as her daughter, Emma, 2, enjoyed playing with soft blocks and crawling through colorful tunnels.

Doris Nadeau agrees.

"I just like to get them out of the house," she said.
Nadeau takes her two grandsons, Wesley, 2, and Nathan, 1, to Toddler Time on a regular basis and also visits the library for Story Time.

"It's my routine," she said.
Toddler Time runs from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the 3032 Collier Parkway facility. The program is offered at no charge, but adults must stay on hand to supervise children in their care.

For more information about Toddler Time and other programs at the complex, call (813) 929-1220.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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