Smyrna, TN - TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center to support “. Alegre Mente, Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections”, a fully immersive, interactive traveling exhibit designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center CEO Louis Caputo, “Their mission to foster educational play and spark curiosity in our youngest learners aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving health and well-being across Middle Tennessee.”

The exhibit, developed and produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, uses play, storytelling, dance and exploration to demonstrate how everyday interactions help build a child’s brain in critical areas such as language, social-emotional development, cognitive growth and motor skills. Through hands-on activities, caregivers discover how they are uniquely equipped to support healthy early development and meaningful connections with young children.

The Town of Smyrna’s Parks and Recreation Director Mike Moss said, “With this support, we expect to welcome more than 7,500 guests between May and September 2025. Alegre Mente, Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections will provide meaningful, educational experiences that promote learning through play, inspire curiosity, and connect our community through science and recreation.”

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center has a long-standing partnership with SOAC, most notably co-hosting the annual Smyrna Kids Safety Day—a free community event that has reached thousands of families with vital child safety education. This latest collaboration reflects the shared goal of creating healthier tomorrows by investing in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that benefit the entire community.

The public is encouraged to see the exhibit now through September at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center at 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East in Smyrna.