For immediate release: March 4, 2025<\/p>\n
New children\u2019s playscapes at Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree locations spark creativity.<\/em><\/p>\n Douglas County Libraries is thrilled to introduce two new interactive play spaces designed to spark imaginative play and hands-on learning for kids. Young guests can step into the roles of veterinarians at Healthy Critters Vet Clinic in Highlands Ranch (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.), and imagine life as bankers, cashiers, and savvy shoppers at Little Savers Bank and Market in Lone Tree (10055 Library Way). These immersive, themed spaces provide endless opportunities for fun, discovery and skill-building, reinforcing DCL\u2019s commitment to inspiring young minds.<\/p>\n \u201cOur playscapes are an essential part of our approach to early literacy, using imaginative play to spark integrated cognitive, physical, social and emotional learning for young children,\u201d said Amy Fischer, Director of Customer Experience at Douglas County Libraries.<\/p>\n Highlands Ranch\u2019s Healthy Critters Vet Clinic, sponsored by PetVet 365 Highlands Ranch, is the perfect place for kids to explore the fascinating world of veterinary care for creatures great and small. Young vets can don lab coats and stethoscopes to check in plushie pet patients, complete examinations using play instruments, diagnose patients at the X-ray station and light box, groom a horse\u2019s mane and tail, and more.<\/p>\n In Lone Tree, the Little Savers Bank and Market, sponsored by Bellco Credit Union, offers an ideal space for kids to discover hidden treasures in safe deposit boxes, receive deposits at the teller window, explore the wonders of a pneumatic tube, play vault Plinko, learn about balancing using tabletop scales, ring up transactions at the market register, and more, blending fun with early financial literacy through play.<\/p>\n According to Fischer, the library\u2019s playscapes help young children build neurological pathways to support their ability to understand the world around them and be ready to read and learn.<\/p>\n Six Douglas County Libraries locations, including Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, offer self-guided play environments for children. Other playscapes include Little Letters Post Office in Castle Pines, The Ranch in Castle Rock, sponsored by Rotary Club of Castle Rock, Plants and Pollinators in Parker, sponsored by Tagawa Gardens, and Mission Control in Roxborough. Each play area is open during library operating hours.<\/p>\n Visit DCL.org<\/a> and DCL.org\/locations<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Bellco is federally insured by NCUA.<\/p>\n Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.<\/p>\n