SOUTH TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) — The South City Foundation hosts free monthly pop-up play dates for South Tallahassee families, giving children a safe space to play while helping parents build community connections.
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The two-hour events are open to children ages zero to eight and are limited to about 12 families per session. Transportation vouchers are available for those who need them.
Director of Child and Family Well-Being with the South City Foundation Tondia Neal says the foundation developed the program after hearing directly from parents in the community.
"So we held surveys, and we did focus groups with the parents. And through those focus groups, both of the focus groups brought up the fact that there was lack of safe play spaces to take their children in the neighborhood and also just a lack of social cohesion and connection among one another," Neal said.
For neighbors like Makeda Hutchinson, the play dates give her a chance to meet neighbors she might not otherwise cross paths with.
"It's always interesting to meet someone else. I'm always open to meet new people. I've done community health work before, so I always want to learn from different aspects, so," Hutchinson said.
Neal says as interest in the program grows, the foundation can expand capacity to accommodate more families.
The pop-up play dates are free but require registration. The next event is scheduled for September 12th at Magnolia Terrace Apartments.
Click here for the foundation's website.
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