A program created to provide young people with a safe space to connect and play games is expanding in Wallaceburg.
It's called the Playroom Experiment and it offers children who may be struggling with social isolation or living with special needs a place where they can be themselves.
The project first launched in Chatham-Kent at Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) earlier this year, but now the program is opening a play space at the Wallaceburg branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
Project director and former Wallaceburg resident Mike Primeau said each location typically includes a board game library, a Nintendo Switch console, and a brand-new pinball machine.
"I want to see inclusion write its own narrative," said Primeau. "If you create a play space and let families do what they want to do, that integration becomes very natural."
The library will act as the community's primary hub and host gaming events on Friday evenings.
"The fact that they have approved the placement of a pinball machine in the library is pretty cool," said Primeau. "I give them credit for trying to contribute to giving our youth something to do."
The gaming room might not solve every issue, but Primeau said he is confident that it can have a positive impact on a child’s life.
The program is planning on investing over $15,000 in the two Wallaceburg locations over the next year. It's funded through community support and Primeau said it bases its fundraising model on $2 donations a month.
"We are at the point where we need the fundraising and if we can have the community come forward and support our small ask, that's how soon we will get this done," said Primeau.
https://youtu.be/lqK_yk2GhLI?t=4
The concept for the project was first born five years ago in Primeau’s basement through his own experiences with his son Luke, who is Autistic.
For more information about the Playroom Experiment click here.
