Child Development Center Updates

In our continuing effort to make the interim Child Development Center (CDC) at Leonard Hall more comfortable for the children, CDC staff met with parent representatives to discuss plans for new playground equipment. The group decided on plastic, lightweight, modular freestanding equipment, which includes a climber and slide. In addition, the CDC has purchased a tire swing, sand area, sit and hop balls, a play kitchen, a playhouse, sprinklers, T-ball and basketball equipment, and tricycles. The CDC has also purchased two shade structures to ensure that the children have adequate shade for the summer.

A grassy section of the picnic area, next to the tennis and basketball courts, has been fenced off and made into a temporary play area. The Army Corps of Engineers sampled this area for arsenic and breakdown products of mustard agent. The results showed that arsenic was below the screening level of 13 PPM and well within the naturally occurring background levels for this area, as established by EPA. No breakdown products of mustard agent were detected.

With the Leonard Hall play facility completed, teachers and parents will work together to develop plans for a permanent playground at the original CDC location. The new equipment will be integrated into the permanent CDC playground once all excavation activities are completed and it is deemed safe to return. The University will continue to work with CDC parents and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that all appropriate cleanup activities are performed at the CDC and elsewhere on campus.

Please be aware that the CDC is temporarily located at Leonard Hall. For the safety and well being of the children, please use caution.

August 1, 2001 campus memo from David Taylor about parking during the CDC remediation
March 26, 2001 report from the Washington Occupational Health Associates (WOHA) with summary results of the University-sponsored medical testing wohareport.pdf
March 14, 2001 ATSDR report discussing arsenic levels at the Child Development Center
March 6, 2001 ATSDR report discussing the results of the medical testing performed for children who are currently enrolled at the Child Development Center
February 8, 2001 memo from Beth Muha to the parents of CDC children describing University sponsored testing for CDC Children
February 7, 2001 memo from Beth Muha to recent alumni, their parents, and former/current CDC employees describing University sponsored testing for CDC Children
February 1, 2001 memo from Jorge Abud to parents of the Child Development Center describing The Army Corps of Engineers' map of all the sampling data on AU's campus. This map shows where elevated levels of arsenic are located.
January 23, 2001 fact sheet to the parents of children who attend the Child Development Center about arsenic levels and affected soil at the Child Development Center
January 18, 2001 memo from President Ladner to the campus community regarding the preliminary soil test results at the CDC
January 18, 2001 memo from President Ladner to the CDC parents regarding the preliminary soil test results and temporary location and operation of the CDC

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