Rick Langenberg
One of southern Teller’s most popular development projects has hit the regulatory jackpot but still faces a few remaining bumps in the road, not to mention some stern deadlines.
In fact, the clock is ticking for the most ambitious childcare center ever attempted in Cripple Creek, and one that has garnered wide-spread community support.
But project leaders are overly optimistic about the prospects of “A Place For Kids” to stay on track and to meet their goal of opening by the end of 2026. A Place for Kids is a proposed two-story daycare center, which will encompass about 10,000 square-feet and offer childcare services, seven days a week, 11 hours per day in the initial stage. The first phase should enable the center to service up to 66 kids. It will also feature 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 call for the Exploratorium to be open to the public and utilized by other students in the childcare center.
For the first time since its inception, the project has advanced from the planning and design phase to the ground-breaking stage. The Cripple Creek City Council recently granted the development, located off Bennett Avenue, adjacent to the Aspen Mine Center West facility, a conditional use permit for the project, with little hesitation. If anything, the council expressed an interest in having the project move towards a 24/7 childcare operation as soon as possible. In addition, the council, in following the recommendation of the historic preservation commission, granted a certificate of appropriateness (COA) for the design of the center. The design was described as a comprise between the goal of maintaining the historic integrity of the structure and making it feasible as a daycare center facility.
“We are excited to move forward with the project,” said Ted Borden, executive director of the Aspen Mine and Community of Caring, the group spearheading the effort. More notably, Borden stated that project leaders are ready to “start putting shovels in the ground” for the daycare center, which has been under consideration for about five years.
An official ceremony should occur early this summer. In addition, several signature galas and fund-raising events, should occur. More details will be released in coming months.
From a grant perspective, the project has cleared all necessary hurdles and hasn’t experienced any setbacks from the federal government program reductions. The project hit the accelerator pedal late last year, as it was officially awarded a $1 million grant by the state’s Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund. This set the stage for a massive capital campaign, entitled “1 Million Match in a Month.” The price tag of the entire project is slated at close to $5 million, with the project proponents still needing more than $1 million to reach their goal.
But Borden stated that they are within reach of securing enough money to undertake the first phase of the development.
He stated that they plan to have meetings with key casino operators and other potential donors more this summer. Although not official yet several big galas could help boost the project’s funding potential.
A Win/Win Development
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 their most recent appearance before the council, 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 COA before breaking ground.
Several council members mentioned the fact that the project is a much-needed amenity. In responding to concerns about a 24/7 operation, Borden reiterated that this is the goal of the project applicant, but it is not planned in the initial opening stage. “This should be a really good start,” said the Community of Caring director.
A few concerns were raised over parking and the continuation of other local services, such as Head Start. Borden reiterated that the daycare project would not replace Head Start and other related projects.
Similar to past forums on the daycare center, local comments heavily favored the venture, with one resident citing the desperate need for this facility. No one has spoken against the project in meeting 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.
