Project Leaders Secure Enough Money to Complete Phase One
Rick Langenberg
After five years of anticipation, capped by hours of planning sessions, focus groups, open house forums, community surveys and more, the big shovel day is right around the corner.
Cripple Creek’s highly proclaimed “A Place For Kids” childcare center is now slated to break ground in September. More importantly, the popular project and one that has commanded more support than probably any local venture in decades, has generated enough available cash to complete the first phase, with a few adjustments.
Borden said that the construction start date is getting accelerated due to the time clock for project completion, with the understanding that more expansions and enhancement can occur down the road. With a slight change in the footprint, “A Place For Kids” is ready to celebrate an initial groundbreaking, with plans to open the nearly 10,000 square-foot facility by Dec. 2026
Only now, the revised first phase, capped by some interior design changes, will encompass a little more than 7,000 square feet at the outset. This phase comes at a price tag of $2.4 million, money that project proponents have secured, or have committed. Up in the air is another $2 million in projected funds, including a major commitment from Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, who represents Colorado’s 7th Congressional District (see related story). Altogether, the entire project is expected to cost nearly $5 million. Besides childcare facilities, the project will eventually feature plans for a commercial kitchen, reception area, quiet room, and an Exploratorium (similar to a children’s museum) that will feature hands-on exhibits created by school-aged children. Plans also call for the Exploratorium to be open to the public and utilized by other students in the childcare center.
Pettersen has proposed awarding the center $1.3 million as part of community funding legislative package that identifies 15 projects throughout the district that includes the southern Teller region. If these funds become a reality, then project leaders hope to possibly use some of these monies to help with the costs of the first year of operation. Other funds could come from major foundations, such as the Gates and Buell foundations, SSR Mining and a from a future community fundraiser and mega gala.
Even with the slight adjustment, involving a smaller footprint, the center will be equipped to handle the same number of kids. Borden estimates this level at close to 60 kids, with the second phase allowing the facility to deal with more than 100 kids and young toddlers.
But the final write-off still has to occur from the city of Cripple Creek, the project’s fiscal agent. Borden said representatives from the Aspen Mine Center plan to do a public presentation during the council’s Aug. 20 meeting. A few more contracts need to get finalized this month, prior to ground breaking.
The big remaining questions hinge on what type of business model the center plans to operate with. Staffing the facility could amount to the main challenge. Community Caring is the main group in charge of the project, but the facility will most likely have a separate operator. Borden stated that they are mulling three different options.
Initially, the center will operate at least five days a week, with plans for extended hours and weekend service. Initial plans are not to operate on a 24/7 level, one of the goals of the city council. But according to community surveys, most residents didn’t cite this as a big priority, noted Borden. Instead, most respondents favored weekend service and having extended hours at certain times.
Borden stated that market demand will determine the answer to this question.
The main push is to get the first phase completed in the next year, and to open the doors of “A Place for Kids” by Dec. 2026. One of the main conditions, involving the securing of a $1 million state grant, dealt with meeting this deadline.
Strong Community Support
Probably no project in southern Teller has secured more community support.
The project is a definite win/win scenario for local casinos, as childcare is a critical need among their workforce. The push for a daycare center is listed at the top of critical needs for the community, according to City Administrator Frank Salvato.
During an appearance before the council last spring, elected leaders gave a strong thumbs-up and heavily praised the design of the project, which attempted to maintain a façade that meshes well with the historic character of the district. Due to the fact that the project is located in the historic district, new commercial facilities must get a certificate of occupancy designation before breaking ground. The new childcare center scaled this hurdle with no problems.
In past forums on the daycare center, local residents and civic leaders have heavily favored the venture, with citizens citing the desperate need for this facility. No one has spoken against the project in meetings over the last year. In fact, the main comment has been: When do we open the facility.
“The community deserves this,” said Lisa Noble, the fund-raising and development director, who has been involved in many community projects in southern Teller, in a previous interview. “Our families deserve a safe place for their kids.” She noted the project will help provide vital services for all phases of the workforce, including casino employees, teachers, firefighters, police officers, government workers and shop operators.
