Leadership Greenville Class 47 selected the YMCA Judson Community Center (YMCA JCC) as the site for its community service project during the 2020-21 course year. The project team sought community support to replace Judson’s 20-year-old play structure and refurbish its outdoor play space. This newly designed playground will provide YMCA JCC’s children with a safe place to learn and grow through play, while enjoying time outdoors with their classmates.

YMCA JCC serves the families of the Hollis Academy neighborhood with the finest in pre-school, after school, and summer day camp programs. YMCA JCC is a leader in childcare and the only accredited after school program in Greenville. It is dedicated to serving low-income youth who are at risk for decreased academic achievement, school readiness, and little or no opportunities for physical activity. 100% of YMCA JCC students are on free lunch programs and 46% of area residents are living in poverty. Located on the western side of Greenville, this once prosperous mill community is currently challenged by high rates of unemployment, high rate of violent crime, and low educational attainment among young adults. The YMCA JCC is truly a safe haven, making a positive impact on the families it serves.

The project team raised funds and in-kind support to replace the YMCA JCC's 20-year old preschool playground. The new playground is ADA compliant and will serve as both a place for fun and learning, with interactive and stimulating play experiences for ages 2 years to 12 years old. Judson preschool teachers are mindful of the importance of spending time outside and provide as much time as possible for outdoor play.

To create a new place for children to safely play and enjoy the outdoors, Leadership Greenville Class 47 raised $35,000 from the Greenville Community to purchase/install a new play structure, lay soft ground and mulch around the structure, create a walkway from the building to the playground that is handicap accessible, and purchase two new picnic tables to be placed under an existing outdoor shelter. Supporters included: FLUOR, General Electric – Gas Power, Lendus LLC, BMW, CBI Workplace Solutions/Live Love Serve Foundation, Community Foundation of Greenville, as well as many individuals and families within the Greenville Community.