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As a ������Ƶ Foundation board member many years ago, Timothy C. Myers was given a tour of the University’s Institute for Child Development (ICD). He noticed the children there did not have a playground with the special equipment and surfaces for their specific needs.

“It was an injustice that troubled and concerned him deeply,” recalled his wife, Kim Myers. So, he put his “heart and soul” into getting it done, for no other reason than to fill those needs for the children. In 2008, his vision for the outdoor Social Learning Center (SLC) was established.

“This playground is a testament to who Tim was,” she said. “He cared about people, children, and would generously do whatever he could to help. It was his passion to make sure special children had a place that fit their needs and a place to laugh and play.”

Channeling grief into good

“When Tim suddenly died in July 2021, we were all just lost, paralyzed with grief that is still there today,” Myers said. “My sister (Nancy Heichemer) and her husband (Rick Heichemer, known as Hike) had the idea to repair and enhance the playground in memory of Tim. I couldn’t think of anything more perfect to honor him and keep his memory alive.”

The generosity of family members — the Heichemers, as well as Ed and Donna Stack — and many of Tim’s best friends have led the way in making the following SLC enhancements possible, and more:

• New merry-go-round playground equipment for children of all abilities.
• A dynamic net to play pickleball, tennis, badminton or volleyball.
• A miniature golf area with perfectly-sized putters.
• Additional activity and sensory centers and play structures designed to give more options for children of younger ages to play together.
• Essential funds for future maintenance to ensure the playground’s longevity.

“The redesign and renovation have made our playground more inclusive and engaging, and provide a range of new experiences to enhance recreational and leisure skills in a safe and welcoming space for many more children,” said Jennifer Gillis Mattson ’99, MA ’02, PhD ’06, psychology professor and ICD co-director.

About 70 children, ages 3 to 12 years old, use the playground each day throughout the school year, she said. In addition, Saturday theme-based peer play activities are available for children and families in Broome and surrounding counties. Since the opening of the enhanced playground, attendance has skyrocketed at SLC Saturdays, with one Saturday having over 150 children and family members.

“It was his idea from the start,” Nancy Heichemer said. “He was very passionate about it. I just wanted to make sure it was maintained and done in his memory, and so all of these children could enjoy it.”

Now, we have more laughter and smiles filling our playground and our hearts all year long. We are incredibly grateful.

ICD Co-Director Jennifer Gillis Mattson