Preschoolers from West Denver joined Mayor John Hickenlooper, District 3 City Councilman Paul Lopez, child advocates and Better Denver Bond Program leaders and contractors June 18, 2009 to celebrate completion of bond-funded improvements at three City-owned child care centers. 

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The repairs and upgrades to the Edna Oliver Early Learning Center included many items that were less visible, but were important none-the-less for the comfort, health, and positive learning environment of the students.

 

The Center originally lacked insulation, so insulation was provided to help keep the Center comfortable. A new hot water boiler was installed. New energy efficient lighting was installed, providing better lighting coverage in the classrooms. The outmoded electrical service was brought up to current standards. The teacher lavatory and staff office were expanded, both of which are used by parents of the center and neighborhood groups. A new, washable wall surface helps keep the Center cleaner, sanitary and pleasant. The kitchen, where meals and snacks are prepared for the students, has been air conditioned.

 

Edna Oliver staff say that the changes have “greatly improved our learning environment so we can best help set the foundation for our children and parents” of the 70 children that they serve.

 

The Lowry Child Development Center landscape improvements, which were finished in June 2008, was one of the first Better Denver Bond-funded Projects to be completed in the Bond Program. The effort transformed the grounds of the Center from a minimal environment to a green, multi-textured area of pleasing plants, grasses and trees, with proud new signage.

 

With “sustainable design” and Denver Greenprint LEED principles in mind, landscape architects from Humphries/Poli created a xeriscape design. They carefully chose plants with low maintenance and low water use needs. High plains prairie grass seed that needs mowing only several times a year, and drought tolerant native trees, shrubs and ground cover were planted. Sod was only used in the play yard for the children and the rest of the grounds were developed with native “water wise” plant materials to save on irrigation. Denver Parks and Recreation donated some of the trees that were planted at the Center. A new sign, mounted on handsome stone, announces the Lowry Child Development Center, and its operator, Mile High Montessori. The Center is located at 957 Ulster Way. 

 

 

Northeast Child Development Center is housed in a 30 year-old, city-owned modular building, located at 3503 Marion Street in Denver. The Better Denver Bond-funded repairs and improvements to this structure touched on a variety of areas to make this site warmer, more comfortable, fresher and inviting for the children, families, and staff that use the facility. While the new, colorful outdoor murals of children at play are the most noticeable and striking enhancements, other equally important, though less noticeable upgrades were made.

 

The previous lack of insulation and the old windows made temperatures inside difficult to control. The entire structure was wrapped with new, efficient insulation placed under new exterior siding that was then painted with colorful murals. New double-pane windows were installed in place of the old single-pane aluminum windows. A new handicapped entry ramp was built and the bathroom was remodeled to be ADA compliant (American with Disabilities Act).

 

Other improvements help to make  the space more efficient, including the installation of lower counters and more cabinet space for storage. A door was installed between the two classrooms which helps the teachers to do school laundry without leaving the classroom and allows them to stay in compliance with safety and supervision requirements for the children.

 

Highlights:
• New Montessori preschool supplemented by a renovated toddler and infant wing
• New centralized entry plaza and lobby; a space for gatherings and family education, and more convenient drop off and pickup of students
• The 4,775 sf expansion includes 4 preschool classrooms and support spaces, added to the existing 5,286 sf facility
• Renovate the existing facility spaces
• Redesign the outdoor spaces to be a place for contemplation, outdoor classrooms and play
• Create better physical and visual connections from the classrooms to the outdoors
• Provide Nine (9) new parking spaces, and right of way/access improvements
• Use a “Green” Building approach:
     — 10 KW Solar Photovoltaics Mechanical System to augment building mechanical operation and to contribute to the reduction of the building carbon “footprint”
     — Recycled signage to be incorporated into building design/material
     — Use of daylighting for better energy efficiency and a pleasant atmosphere
• Provide an interactive, educational display in the lobby about the Photovoltaic system. Create a place that is not only sustainable, but fosters the idea of sustainability in a tangible and memorable way.
• Enable a special entry/drop-off for infants & toddlers by retaining the existing entry