Outdoor children’s play area and community garden coming to your library

Center Moriches Free Public Library plans to build an outdoor children’s play area and community garden at no cost to the taxpayer.

In 2024, with the support of assemblyman Fred Thiele (now retired), the library successfully applied for and was awarded a $125,000 CREST Grant (Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology).

The funds, according to library director Marcie Litjens, will be used to establish the Community Garden and an Outdoor Children’s Area.

“[This will] further enhance the library’s offerings and commitment to community engagement,” she said, proud of the project. “Learning happens both indoors and outdoors. We are fortunate to have a beautiful outdoor space that presented an opportunity to expand our services beyond the library’s walls.”

This space was first utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the library created a modest but functional outdoor play area.

“That was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from patrons,” she explained.

Then, encouraged by community interest, the library explored funding options.

“We were fortunate to secure a grant covering the majority of the project cost,” she added.

The Community Garden, which will consist of raised beds that are accessible to all abilities, will build upon the library’s successful Seed Library that has run for the last eight years.

This project, according to Litjens, also fits into the Sustainability Libraries Initiative, of which they have been continually working towards their certification.

“The garden will serve as a hands-on educational resource that promotes sustainability and inspires curiosity—offering patrons the joy of planting seeds and watching them grow,” she said.

Head of children’s services, Margie DeCaro, agreed, noting that one of the highlights of the new space will be the community garden with raised, accessible planting beds. The raised beds, she said, will make gardening accessible for all, with children of all ages able to get involved in hands-on activities, regardless of their physical abilities.

“This garden is not just about planting seeds but about planting the seeds of knowledge,” she said. “In partnership with the seed library, the community can take part in a rewarding cycle of growth, from selecting seeds, nurturing them, and watching them bloom.”

The outdoor area will also include a play area and relaxing benches.

“Outdoor play has long been recognized as an essential component of a child’s development, promoting physical health, creativity, and social skills,” added DeCaro. “Families will now have an opportunity to participate in planting, growing, and harvesting food, learning about the cycles of nature and the importance of sustainability.”

The project will be open for public bid on May 29. Once the bid is awarded, a timeline will be established. However, the estimated timeline for completion is approximately two months, contingent upon supply chain availability.

Community Survey!

The Center Moriches Library wants to hear from the community and needs your feedback for future planning. Until the end of June, there will be a short anonymous survey available for patrons to fill out. Go to the website at centermoricheslibrary.org to fill out an online form or paper copies are available at the Circulation Desk.