ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. - The depot's Child Development Center broke ground earlier this year on new playground equipment and the transformation is almost complete.
Weather permitting, in about a month, the CDC's infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children will have new equipment to use for playing and learning.
And learning is definitely part of the package.
The new play sets and equipment are designed not only to stimulate the imaginations of those using them, but can be incorporated into lessons and are compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act, which requires an accessible route for those with disabilities.
Interactive elements, such as a theatre, climbing structures and musical instruments are being incorporated, according to Nyoka Johnson, the center's coordinator.
"The staff will be able to do more instruction outside," she said.
The entire project cost a little over $1 million and was funded through the Installation Management Command G-9.
According to Johnson, all four playgrounds are being completed at the same time to consolidate the construction time.
Unfortunately, this left the students without playgrounds during the summer.
"Since the children can't play on the playground, their gross motor skills are getting a workout through walks and time in the gym," said Johnson.
Not only are the play sets new, the surfaces are also being updated and upgraded.
Gone is the old cement base topped with rubber padding. In its place is a safer surface with dual padding layers on top of gravel, ensuring better drainage.
There are sidewalks which weave through each playground and incorporate bridges and rumble sections for the tricycles.
The center will purchase new tricycles this year and is incorporating "parking" stations for them, to ensure they stay out of the weather.
New canopies, paint for the remaining canopy supports, updated swing equipment and storage sheds for the moveable equipment round out the additions in each section.
With the exception of sidewalks and play structures, all areas will receive new sod, encouraging the children to enjoy the green areas as well.
"It's about the green spaces also," said Mark Trogdon, the project superintendent with Lifecycle, Inc., which is installing the new playgrounds. "We will add planter boxes where the children can garden."
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