Little kids were the focus of the groundbreaking ceremony last week in Cripple Creek. With balloons, presents, and a heads-up about what to expect, the kids helped launch “It’s a Place for Kids,” childcare center.

Several children had front-row seats near a pile of dirt where they would soon break ground with tiny shovels. The center is adjacent to the Aspen Mine Center West at 100 W. Bennett Avenue.

A $3.4 million project of the Community of Caring Foundation, the ceremony brought residents and officials together to celebrate what is a groundbreaking event in Colorado.

Because the lack of professional childcare is a major issue in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs/Energy and Mineral Assistance Fund provided a $1 million grant for the project.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood awarded the project a grant for $800,000, for which the foundation provided a $266,000 match.

“This is one of the most glorious times in the neighborhood. We are so grateful for all of you and your support, to stand behind us on all we have done,” said Mary Bielz, the foundation’s chair. “This is our 25th birthday. I don’t think we could have done those 25 years without your support.”

Bielz, who has a knack for showmanship, played “show and tell,” to build excitement for the children. Pulling items from her big box of presents, Bielz produced Elmo, the puppet from Sesame Street.

“We’re gonna have puppets,” she said.

Pulling out a bowl, Bielz said, “We’re gonna cook.”

To her rapt audience, Bielz pulled out a pizza box.

“We’re gonna have pizza,” she said. “How do you feel about picnics? We’re gonna go on field trips and have picnics.”

From her Little Red Wagon, Bielz took a gold-colored object to symbolize the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow, a slogan the foundation used as a fundraising goal.

“This is your future,” she said.

Ted Borden, executive director of the foundation/Aspen Mine Center, opened the ceremony and publicly thanked the donors, the staff at the AMC, and board members of the foundation.

In addition to the state and private donors, special donors include Teller County, cities of Cripple Creek and Victor; Myron Stratton, El Pomar and Boettcher foundations; SSR Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company; CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority); and HtN- Hope Lives Here.

Pastor Ryan Wickstrom blessed the ceremony with a prayer and Teller County commission chair Dan Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Due to the sponsorship of the grant by the city of Cripple Creek, the facility will be a publicprivate partnership.

Linda Lyons and her staff in the kitchen at the Aspen Mine Center, provided lunch and dessert for the group.