NIH Child Care Center Playground Reopens

NIH celebrated the reopening of the Bldg. 64 NIH East Child Care Center playground during a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this fall. 

“Today marks the exciting unveiling of a vibrant new space that will soon be filled with children’s laughter and energy,” said NIH Office of Research Services (ORS) Director Colleen McGowan at the ceremony. “We hope this new play yard will inspire creativity for the children who might work here tomorrow.” 

Construction on the project first began in March 2024. Improvements include new play equipment, low maintenance poured-in-place soft surfacing, a trike track and lawn area for open play, storage sheds and a variety of shaded seating areas. 

Many of the facility improvement features are underground, said NIH Office of Research Facilities Director Dan Wheeland. Workers installed a new storm water management system to prevent erosion and eliminate stagnant water on the playground. 

The playground first opened in 2000, but its infrastructure had deteriorated over time. Plans were drawn up to renovate the space in 2021. Construction began three years later. 

“The new playground represents a significant achievement, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals and teams whose dedication made it possible,” said Susan Borst, Child and Family Programs Manager in the ORS Division of Amenities & Transportation Services. 

The playground’s renovations wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of many individuals throughout the entire process, from concept design to construction. Borst also thanked the construction team, child care center staff and the children and families for their patience during construction. 

A few days before the ceremony, the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care visited NIH to inspect the playground. During the inspection walk-through, a licensing supervisor told Borst the playground is an example of a space that meets many different developmental needs of children; it is well-designed, highlights the natural features and offers creative spaces where children will be engaged in play for decades to come.