By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Opening day is just around the corner for the $1.6 million childcare center in Great Bend. Next week, most of the appliances and furniture will be delivered and installed at Bright Beginnings Childcare. Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the playground at the facility should be installed the third week of April and licensing inspections will be done the last week of the month.
The Advancing Barton County Childcare committee will hold a ribbon cutting on May 2 at 10 a.m. with an open house to follow.
"From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we'll be there and open to the public," said Arnberger. "If anybody would like to come check it out, whether you're a community member, a parent or potential applicant, we would like to welcome you all."
The 6,500-square-foot daycare is located near the intersection of 10th Street and K-96 Highway. Bright Beginnings is designed to accommodate up to 80 children. Established by Advancing Barton County Childcare through Great Bend Economic Development, this initiative aims to address the pressing need for reliable and accessible childcare services in our community. The approximately 6,500 square-foot facility represents the first of several daycare centers to be built across Barton County, showcasing a commitment to enhancing childcare capacity throughout the region.
The ABCC committee took on fundraising for the daycare and received a $2.23 million grant to assist with the Great Bend facility and will build a similar daycare in Hoisington.
"We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community," said Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development and Chairman of Advancing Barton County Childcare. "Bright Beginnings represents a significant investment in the well-being of our community and underscores our commitment to supporting working parents as well as our business community and their workforce needs."
The event will feature remarks from Great Bend Economic Development and Advancing Barton County Childcare, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the community's future.
"We extend our sincere appreciation to all individuals, organizations, and stakeholders who have contributed to making Bright Beginnings a reality," added Bright Beginnings Site Director, Kelsie Baxter. "Together, we are creating a family-friendly community that prioritizes the needs of all its residents."
For more information about the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house event, please contact GBED staff by phone at 620-796-2407 or by emailing ABCC staff at [email protected].