June 1, 2010
Munchkinland Adventure Centre

VICTORIA- Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon joined members of his community to construct child-size buildings at the new Munchkinland Adventure Centre at Qualicum Beach Elementary School.

"’We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.’ Now, Dorothy might have said those very words had she landed on the school ground on Sunday afternoon at Qualicum Beach Elementary School because created that day on the grounds of the school was a storybook village of children-sized, munchkin-sized buildings to inspire a child's imagination.

“It all began early Sunday morning with a team of builders, a pile of lumber and supplies in one place and teams of eager builders, without plans, to build these ten child-sized buildings. It included a general store, a hospital, a fire hall, a bank, a post office, a theatre, schoolhouse, library and gas station — all built to inspire children's imaginations in an interactive environment.

“Around the safety circle, a child-sized roadway was built where children can ride their trikes or pedal cars and learn about the rules of road, with stop and yield signs, visit the various buildings and enjoy some interactive and learning play.

“It was built in a day — miraculously, as I say. I pounded nails with the Oceanside Development and Construction Association, so I had good help. It rose from the ground from nothing, up to an entire village.

“Next to the village is an alphabet garden, which features, of course — as you might expect — 26 planters, each in the shape of the letters of the alphabet. These will be tended by volunteer groups in the community who apply to tend and grow vegetables in the garden, and flowers, which will be made available to the community.

“The entire thing creates a great learning experience and environment for seniors, grandparents, parents and teens to enjoy their imaginations with these interactive buildings. It's all part of the concept of Building Learning Together, which is a coalition of community partners that have joined together to support early learning for children zero to six in their families. Since 1999, they've grown to represent over a hundred businesses, service clubs and schools, 20 agencies, ministries, as well as over 200 individuals who participated in this interactive development of childhood learning.

“Let's congratulate their efforts and congratulate all those who ably built the buildings.” 

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