Fort Knox breaks ground on $33 million child development center for military families

FORT KNOX, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fort Knox is investing $33 million in a new child development center.

Leaders from Fort Knox and the surrounding communities, along with a few children, helped break ground on the new facility Friday. The new CDC will be built on the site of the old Crittenberger Elementary School, which was demolished earlier this year.

The project has been in the works for nine years. The current facility used for children of military families that are stationed at the installation is outdated and is one of the oldest such facilities in the U.S. Army.

"Soldiers cannot do their job without having a great place to take their kids during the day," Col. Christopher Ricci said. "Our families expect world class child care, and we deliver world class child care, so I think this is just us showing families how important they are."

When the center is finished, more than 300 students up to the age of four will be able to attend. It will have an open concept and a giant activity center. The old facility will still be used for part-time child care.

Brig. Gen. Moe Barnett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, was at the groundbreaking. He said his own children were cared for at CDCs throughout the Army over the past 31 years.

"I understand the importance of what we’re doing today, and the symbolism," said Barnett, who acknowledged the significance of having some children from the Fort Knox CDC in attendance. "This is incredible. We didn’t just need a bigger building, we needed a better facility, and that’s what we’ve gotten."

Some of the children helped in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Stephanie Parris, director of the Fort Knox CDC, said seeing the project move forward is a big blessing to her and her staff.

"We’re grateful because our voices were heard," said Parris. "In terms of having an open floor plan, the new CDC will reduce the staffing needed. That gives our staff a little break to balance out duties and alternate."

The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

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Fort Knox breaks ground on $33 million child development center for military families