With temperatures well below freezing outside, children at Northside Child Development Center stayed warm by having recess indoors in the Niles school’s recently renovated gross-motor skills room.

Children pedaled bicycles around a track, tried to remain steady on balance beams and jumped from one pedestal to the next.

The upgrades came from a combination of school funding and grant money from local foundations.

“I am just grateful for all the people that made it happen because it was really a community effort, not just a Niles Community Schools effort,” said Zech Hoyt, Northside principal.

Northside used some of its own funding to purchase and install new carpeting, paint the walls, install new ceiling tile and create an indoor track that could be used for bicycling, running or walking.

The Berrien Community Foundation and Niles Education Foundation provided funds that were used to purchase more gross motor skills equipment and update technology.

Why update technology?

Hoyt explained that Northside serves as a resource hub for licensed daycare providers in the area. These daycare providers can check out gross-motor materials from the room and hold training sessions there, making use of the new projector equipment.

Northside also uses the room as a space in which to hold professional development and school board meetings. The district held its February board meeting there.

From kids to parents to professionals, Hoyt said everyone appreciates the upgrades.

“The room just looks great now,” Hoyt said. “The adults that come here and use it love it and the kids love it. It’s just a nice place for our kids.”