Source: Debra Ring, 785-532-3710, dring@k-state.edu
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News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009

K-STATE'S NEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OFFICIALLY BREAKING GROUND OCT. 2

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University will officially break ground on its new Child Development Center at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the building site on the east end of Jardine Drive.

The $5 million project will allow for the on-campus care of around 70 more children than is presently possible. The new center will be 32,000 square feet -- more than double the current facility size of 15,500 square feet -- and is slated for completion in summer 2010.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will include remarks from Kirk Schulz, K-State president; Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students; Dalton Henry, student body president; and Bruce Snead, Manhattan city commissioner and chair of the Manhattan child care taskforce. Attendees will include children and center staff, advisory board members and parents.

Debra Ring, director of the K-State Child Development Center, said that the new facility will not only address the center's long waiting list, but that it will ensure children receive the high quality education they need in their early years.

"When I was hired as the director five years ago, the No. 1 goal was a new facility," Ring said. "The new building's exemplary design will support the growth and development of children, will give teachers a wonderful work environment and will feature the highest level of safety and security."

The new building, designed by Gould Evans Architects, Lawrence, also will have some special features, including a wall of windows to allow natural light into the classrooms and a view of a nature-based outdoor classroom area. In addition, the parking area and landscaping will be done in such a way to promote sustainability and smart water usage, and to reduce erosion.

The K-State Child Development Center began as parent cooperative for child care 24 years ago.