Playground a mini-city of learning

Playground a mini-city of learning

A kid's town.

Pint-sized buildings form an idyllic community at the Trice Day Care Center's new therapeutic playground, 901 NW 54th St. But the mini-schoolhouse, church and post office aren't just for playing hide-and-seek.

There kids will learn through play.

``They'll learn what life is supposed to be like,'' said Patricia Seabrook, playground designer. ``Many of them come from dysfunctional families or places where people can't walk to go to the library, the church or the burger bar.''

The Day Care Center, founded in 1991 for kids of substance abusers, has expanded to include other neighborhood kids.

The playground, part of the South Florida Family Medical Foundation's ``Save the Family'' campaign, was built with the help of the Miami Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Miami class.

Residents of Kidstown will take money from the bank and use it to buy groceries at the store. They'll learn about fire safety under the fire station's roof.

``They'll learn how each business and agency is important in a community,'' Seabrook said.

Seabrook and others are developing a curriculum for the playground to be marketed nationwide.

Teacher Mary Horne already has begun using the outdoor classroom. She spent last week playing postmaster, giving each student a package from the playground post office.

``They see things on the playground and assimilate them into their daily lives,'' said Wilma Thompson, center director and mother of student Matthew, 4.

Anisha Jenkins, 5, ran straight for the police station. She'd never been to one.

``I saw them on TV,'' she said. ``I love them.''

Parent Tony Roberts already has seen a difference in his daughter Portia, 2. Roberts was surprised when Portia announced she knew the difference between a truck and an ambulance.

``The kids are more curious,'' Roberts said. ``I see a different side of them.''