The Child Development Center is planning on building a new playground for its children, according to executive assistant of Financial and Education Resources Pippa Gibson

The construction is part of a larger project, begun with Measure E bonds and now funded by Measure C bonds, which seek to renovate and re-landscape the play areas around the CDC, particularly areas for smaller children.

“The [CDC] project is scheduled to commence at the end of June 2010 and be completed by mid-September 2010,” Gibson said.

The new playground will be geared toward toddlers under the age of four, and will be located in the southeast corner of the CDC, where four other playgrounds already exist. When completed, the new area will be friendlier to younger children and will provide a comfortable and safe recreational environment.

“It has a play structure, shade structure, performance area [and] tot sized raised gardening beds,” Gibson said.

Additional landscaping will also be done around the playground to enhance its accessibility and give it a more natural appearance. Renovation to the surrounding areas will seek to incorporate currently existing trees in its layout and will include walking trails and outdoor benches.

“The shade structure and performance area will be made of metal with a fabric canopy,” said Gibson. “The play surface under the play structure will be made of recycled rubberized material. Trex recycled plastic decking will also be installed.”

“Trex” is a trademark brand of alternative decking material that uses recycled wood and plastic fibers to create a building composite that does not deteriorate, splinter or contain any toxic chemicals or preservatives sometimes found in treated wooden playgrounds.

According to Gibson, The total project budget is $370,000, while the construction budget for the new playground will cost $260,000.

Measure C funds will provide $370,000 but there is a slight financial obstacle for the project. According to CDC Director Naoko Hirada, an additional $40,000 is needed to fund the full construction for the playground. Otherwise, certain aspects of the project will have to be cut.

Hirada and others at the CDC are currently arranging for fundraising possibilities to raise the needed $40,000. Some ideas include having a day where popular businesses such as Starbucks, Jamba Juice or Togo’s would donate a percentage of their profits from student customers to the new playground.

Construction for the new project will be contracted and completed by Guerra Construction.