Mansfield Noon Optimist Club introduces Ontario preschoolers to Buckeye Imagination Museum

MANSFIELD — Foam blocks scattered across the Buckeye Imagination Museum floor as a group of preschoolers worked together to build a play area.

Laughter and smiles broke out as the blocks slowly turned into something bigger — and fun.

This activity filled the museum Tuesday morning as around 70 Ontario preschool students spent the day exploring the space through a visit sponsored by the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club.

A space where kids shine

For preschool teacher and intervention specialist Kennedie Spencer, the museum offered more than just fun. She said experiences like this give every child a chance to succeed in their own way.

“It’s the perfect place for the kids because there’s something for everybody,” Spencer said. “Kids who may struggle in other settings are thriving here.”

Spencer watched as students in her class worked together with others, carefully stacking foam blocks to create a play area. She said seeing the kids naturally gravitate toward teamwork stands out the most.

“Watching their collaboration has been super fun,” she said.

Preschool teacher Mackenzie Reese said the excitement started long before Tuesday morning.

“They’ve been talking about this for two weeks,” Reese said.

Some students had visited the museum with their families, while others were experiencing it for the first time. That mix fueled the anticipation for many, with kids excitedly comparing which rooms they wanted to explore first.

“They were saying things like, ‘I can’t wait to go into the dentist room’ or ‘the fire truck room’,” Reese said.

She added the museum’s hands-on, imaginative play supports key developmental skills, especially during winter months when movement and exploration become more limited.

“The dramatic play and imaginative play are core for this age group to be able to socialize and build those skills,” she said.

While some students worked together to create tall forts, other students rode around the “roads” in pretend cars or watched as a toy train circled a miniature city.

The day allowed an activity for every kid, no matter their interest.

A four-year tradition and why it matters

Kevin Zehe of the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club said this year marked the fourth time the group hosted the event — with it being the third year at the Buckeye Imagination Museum.

The club typically organizes the activity for preschool kids and continues to return to the museum for its variety and impact.

“This location gives them the opportunity to explore different activities, and they have a ball,” Zehe said.

The children also received lunch after their long morning of play and imagination.

“I wish I would have had this as a kid,” he said. “There’s so many different things in life you can do, and this gives them a taste of it.”

Richard Goosman president of the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club said the mission stays simple — keep it fun and help kids feel supported with interaction. He said those moments can have a lasting impact.

“As a child, I was shy, but there were adults who cared and brought me out of that,” he said. “That’s what I’m all about — being around kids and giving them that interaction.”

(Photos of Ontario preschool students at the Buckeye Imagination Museum. Credit: Hannah Martin)