To the editor:

To the typical person, economic development is a single, simple, one-time announcement. However, from the other side of an announcement are years of planning, research, revising, anxious days and sleepless nights.

For example, the volunteer Board of Directors of the Riverview Early Childcare Center began in 2022 working on identifying what would best serve Webster City’s child development. First identifying what the future likelihood would look like for the infant through the 12 years of age population.

First Children’s Financial was consulted and assisted in analyzing area census data, state requirements and employment. From the 2020 U.S. Census data they concluded that for every four children under age 11 there was only one childcare space available. The creation of a plan helped the board to develop a business plan. Following that step, two architects were interviewed; one was retained to review the current 68-year-old facility. Given the limitations of the building, very limited expansion geography and lack of a sufficiently available alternative building, the need for a new site was determined to be appropriate.

Enter 2024 working with the City on using the former hospital site and the creation of a proposed 18,500-square-foot building to be properly designed and engineered for a certified enrollment of 168 children (an increase from the current 95). Key elements include the safety of two tornado rooms, fire protection, kitchen capacity, classroom space, recreation, playground, parking and traffic flow.

To implement these objectives in 2024, ’25 and ’26 a funding commitment is required. Cash is not necessarily required in 2024, but will be required in 2025 and 2026 to complete construction.

The Riverview Board needs your help. Please see https://riverviewearlychildhoodcenter.org/riverview-expansion-initiative for the future of child development and our area’s economic growth. Help achieve the five-year plan by making a commitment.

Doug Getter

Webster City