New Peterson CDC expected to open by Summer 2011

Published March 18, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Four-year-old Quentin Locks needed a little help with his shovel as he plunged it into a pile of dirt March 8 to break ground on the Peterson East Child Development Center.

Little Mr. Locks, who attends the Peterson CDC annex, and his parents, Staff Sgt. Marlene Locks, 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, and Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Locks, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, were invited to the Peterson East CDC ground-breaking ceremony to represent the children and families who will attend the new center, scheduled to open in August 2011.

The $8.1 million center, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will accommodate 192 children. The single-story building will have four preschool activity rooms, four toddler activity rooms and four pre-toddler activity rooms.

"It's been a long time coming and we are very excited," said Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander. "The good news for Peterson Air Force Base is that this new facility will reduce the current waiting list for quality day care here on base."

Construction is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to be complete in spring 2011. Then, engineers and builders will install the kitchen, furniture and playground equipment to be ready for the August opening, said Rob Dixon, base project manager for the CDC facility. When the new Peterson East CDC is open, the children and staff from the CDC annex, on Peterson Boulevard and Selfridge Street, will move into the new facility. The CDC on Peterson Boulevard and Paine Street will remain fully operational.

Providing superior support to Airmen is one of the wing's top four priorities, Colonel Whiting said.

Quality, affordable child care, is part of that and supports and directly enables other wing priorities, he said. Airmen, especially those who deploy, will feel comfortable knowing that their children are enjoying the four natural outdoor playgrounds at the new CDC and that they are learning from a highly dedicated CDC staff.

"More of our men and women will be able to focus on being mission ready," Colonel Whiting said.

The new CDC marks a first for Peterson AFB. The 25,000-square foot facility will be "green" -- built in accordance with sustainable design and facility energy principles outlined by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system, Mr. Dixon said.

Building green means installing things like solar hot water heating, solar window shades, radiant floor heating and low water landscaping. Using the green construction principles means the building will be energy efficient from operation to maintenance. The new CDC building, rated as LEED Silver, will be the first of its kind on Peterson.

"On top of being a fun and safe facility for approximately 192 children, this CDC is being built with sustainable design and facility energy attributes outlined by the LEED green building rating system," Colonel Whiting said. "Construction will begin next month and we will eagerly await its opening."

A new beginning!