The Playroom Experiment Receives 2026 Community Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Playroom Experiment Receives 2026 Community Grant

$4,300 Grant Will Support Enhanced Security
and New Equipment at The Playroom Experiment

THAMES CENTRE – Deputy Mayor Michelle Smibert and Councillor Danielle Lockie visited The Playroom Experiment last weekend to deliver a 2026 Community Grant.

The Playroom Experiment is receiving $4,300 to improve security features at their location, as well as to add new games and content production equipment. Some of the new board games will be made available for use at other locations, including libraries in Dorchester and Thorndale.

“Thames Centre is happy to support a number of recreation projects in the community,” says Deputy Mayor Smibert. “Our residents benefit from high-end recreation spaces and playing fields throughout the community. We’re very happy to also support The Playroom Experiment, which offers a safe recreation space for people who aren’t using our gymnasium spaces or sports fields to benefit from an active living experience.”

The Playroom Experiment offers inclusive programs targeted to support a number of different audiences, including Sensory-Friendly Gaming sessions, Community Drop-In sessions, and Game Nights for Grown-Ups.

"Our group is extremely grateful for this support from Thames Centre,” says Program Director Mike Primeau. “It goes far beyond monetary funding — it's a recognition of the community members who believe everyone deserves a space to play, connect, and belong. Ideas bring possibility, but execution breeds magic. And that magic is built by and for the people of Thames Centre."

The Playroom Experiment is based out of the FlightExec Centre in Dorchester. The game room is located at the North Entry, right beside the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) office. This is a municipally-owned space that is provided to The Playroom Experiment at no cost.

“I’ve been able to join some activities at The Playroom Experiment,” notes Ward 2 Councillor Danielle Lockie. “Gaming provides a simple way to encourage people to engage with each other. Their activities provide an efficient and effective way to help build a stronger, more inclusive community.”

For more information on The Playroom Experiment, including program scheduling and registration, visit https://www.playroomexperiment.org.

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Contact:

Michael Ramnanan
Communications Manager
mramnanan@thamescentre.on.ca
519.268-7334 ext. 258