The Eaton Fire left a trail of devastation in Altadena, destroying homes, businesses, and even a beloved preschool. Among the many affected was Village Play Garden Preschool, a nature-focused school that served as a nurturing space for children and families.
Now, Danielle Neal, a mother and community member, is spearheading efforts to rebuild the school and restore the sense of belonging and security it provided.
A Devastating Loss for the Community
For many families, Village Play Garden was more than just a preschool—it was a safe haven where children could learn, explore, and connect with nature. The school featured farm animals, gardens, and outdoor classrooms, creating a unique learning environment.
Danielle Neal, whose son attended the preschool, described the heartbreaking scene:
“There’s a labyrinth over there, that is still there, that the children would run and walk in a little spiral and would stop to pick up the strawberries from the bushes. Seeing the remains of everything is heartbreaking.”
The fire reduced the once-thriving two-acre campus to ashes, leaving parents, students, and teachers devastated.
15 Years of Hard Work Lost in the Flames
For the Ramsey-Ray family, who founded and nurtured the school for 15 years, the loss was deeply personal.
Geoff Ramsey-Ray, one of the school’s founders, expressed his sorrow:
“Fifteen years we spent building that from a very dilapidated two acres to an amazing school. Just devastating and I think angry.”
The fire erased years of dedication and hard work, but the spirit of the school’s close-knit community remains strong.
A Mother’s Mission: Rebuilding Village Play Garden
Despite losing her own home in the fire, Danielle Neal wasted no time in organizing efforts to rebuild the school. She quickly gathered parents, teachers, and community members to find a solution.
“As a parent, my focus is my child. So if he has his community and his home base with his friends and teachers who nurture him so beautifully, I can handle anything else.”
Thanks to her determination, the school has found a temporary location in Arcadia, allowing children to continue learning while plans for a permanent rebuild are set in motion.
Looking Ahead: Plans for Rebuilding
The future of Village Play Garden Preschool depends on community support, funding, and rebuilding efforts. The school’s leaders and parents are actively working on:
- Securing land for a new location
- Raising funds through donations and grants
- Rebuilding the outdoor learning environment
- Restoring farm areas and gardens
The community’s resilience and commitment to early childhood education continue to drive the efforts forward.
The destruction of Village Play Garden Preschool was a tragic loss, but the community’s strength and determination offer hope for the future. With leaders like Danielle Neal, parents, and supporters coming together, the school is on the path to rebuilding and thriving once again.
The Eaton Fire may have destroyed physical structures, but it failed to break the spirit of this passionate community.
