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The Canvas

Winter 2025 Update

Picture of Behind the Plywood
by The Project Team
02.19.25

The Canvas Phase Two.
The plywood is DOWN.

The Canvas - DPPL's magical new creative studio and makerspace - is  opening soon! 

Phase One of construction is complete and Phase Two - equipment and furniture set up, testing, and programming -  is now underway.

The Canvas doors will open to the public in March for limited use, and will be fully operational later this Spring.

Continue Reading "Winter 2025 Update" →

DIY with DPPL

DIY With DPPL: Mindfulness Garden

Picture of YS DIY
by YS Staff
02.15.25

Hey, Kiddos! It's time for a new edition of DIY with DPPL!

This month’s DIY kit is a miniature mindfulness garden. Winter in Chicago often finds us indoors so this project is especially great! Some of the benefits of creating and using these gardens include:

  • Improving focus & concentration 

  • Connecting with nature 

  • Increasing curiosity, creativity, and imagination. 

  • Reducing stress and increasing calmness 

  • Developing mindfulness and the ability to be present

As they pour the sand and arrange the stones, moss and bridges encourage your children to really connect with the landscape they are creating. They can use the rake to draw lines, swirls, hills, and valleys. Remind them to take a few moments to breathe. The beauty of this garden is ever changing, so enjoy!

Starting on Saturday, February 15th, stop by the Youth Services desk on the second floor of DPPL to pick up a kit (while supplies last!), and then use the materials to do the project we show you step-by-step in the video.

(Grade 1 and up.)