MANA — The Pacific Missile Range Facility Child Development Center, hereafter referred to as CDC, officially opened a pair of new playground facilities on March 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, following four months of demolition and construction work.
“Ready, set, go!” Commander Riley Schoen, the PMRF Air Operations Officer, said while slicing the ribbon that released the flock of CDC children, including his daughter, Ruth. “Our family has been talking about this new playground nearly every day since they started construction. This is very exciting.”
The two new playground structures—one for preschool-aged keiki and one for toddlers — have popular treehouse-style themes.
“Each playground was carefully designed to be developmentally appropriate for the age group it serves, offering opportunities for exploration and imagination amongst the children, promotes peer interaction, and encourages physical development,” said Stephanie Baclig, the PMRF’s new Child and Youth Program, or CYP, director. “We are thrilled to open the new playgrounds and look forward to watching children thrive in these new spaces for years to come.”
The playground facilities were funded by Commander Navy Installation Command, or CNIC, and are part of its standardized playsets, a PMRF release said.
The project also included new fencing, extra-large canopies for shade, new bike paths, fall protection installation, and the costs for demolition and removal of the old structures and bike path.
PMRF plans to continue investing in its quality child care center, including installing a canopy and making new, energy-efficient facility improvements.
The CDC also seeks to fill open positions that offer hiring bonuses, CYP employee discounts for childcare, and a transfer program for eligible employees.
“We are grateful to our staff, families, and CNIC for their contributions and support during this project,” said Jeffrey Shaw, PMRF Fleet and Family Readiness director. “This is a wonderful demonstration of our appreciation for our military and their families. To know that your children are in a fun and safe environment with caring professionals who share in their development is priceless.”
The PMRF CDC provides a childcare program for the families of its sailors, military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors.
The program welcomes children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old to enroll. PMRF also offers a youth program that provides after-school care for students ages 5 through 12 and is available during school breaks and non-instructional school days.
For more information about the PMRF Child Development Center, youth programs, or other services, visit the website at https://pmrf.greatlifehawaii.com/family/child-development-center-cdc or call 808-335-4453.
To view a listing of employment opportunities at the CDC, visit https://pmrf.greatlifehawaii.com/careers.
