ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 31, 2002) - As part of his initiative to improve the workplace environments for State employees, Governor Parris N. Glendening today cut the ribbon opening the new Annapolis Day Care Center. Primarily for the children of State employees who work in Annapolis, the child care center will enroll 103 children from infants to five-years-old.
"Our vision for quality, close-by child care for State employees in Annapolis is now a reality," said Governor Glendening. "The opening of this wonderful new center is a celebration of learning and care for our children; a celebration of peace of mind for parents knowing their children are in a safe, caring environment; and a celebration of the impact child care professionals have on the lives of our young children. This is another example of the strong commitment Lt. Governor Townsend and I share to improve early childhood services in Maryland."
The new center is located in close proximity to the State House, the Secretary of State's Office, the Comptrollers Office and several other State agencies. The State provided the nearly $1 million to design and construct the center.
"In selecting our design team, we wanted a firm that could create a truly unique day care environment," said Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Peta N. Richkus. "The architect and our contractor have made the interior space feel like the outdoors, with a variety of visual stimuli for the children."
Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., of Salisbury, was commissioned to provide a design for renovation of 6,400 square feet of office space. In addition to the operational requirements for the day care facility, the design included an adjacent 7,000 square foot fenced play area, a parent drop-off area, and controlled access to both the day care and the outdoor area.
The window walls around the perimeter of the indoor space were left unobstructed to allow views of the Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, nestled amid the State offices that include the Department of Natural Resources. Appropriately, the innovative theme is the Maryland environment. Structural columns are designed as different tree species of Maryland; storage "cubbies" are designed with structural supports in the shape of fish and birds; and curved suspended ceilings are in the shape of clouds. Energy efficient downlights can be dimmed for nap time.
The contractor for the DGS-administered project was Willow Construction of Easton. Working closely with the architect, Willow has transformed one-time office space into a secure, fun space.
The day care operator is Play and Learn, Inc., one of the largest not-for-profit child care operators in the State. Competitively selected, Play and Learn also operates State day care centers for the Department of Housing and Community Development at Community Place in Crownsville and at the Maryland Department of the Environment's Point Breeze Headquarters.
###
CONTACT:
Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
Return to: Top | DGS Home Page |
