Bob Keefer Center Preschool Expansion the Focus of Chamber’s Business After Hours

On April 4th, Willamalane Park and Recreation District hosted the Springfield Chamber‘s Business After Hours program, a quarterly networking event that is gaining a solid reputation for not only forging business partnerships and lasting relationships, but also shedding light on prominent and topical community projects.

Attendees of April’s Business After Hours got an “early education” about Willamalane’s partnership with the University of Oregon to address the issue of childcare and preschool shortages in our community. The “Little Duck Preschool Expansion” of the existing preschool program at Springfield’s Bob Keefer Center will allow Willamalane to serve more families with high-quality childcare and early education.

“Willamalane is committed to offering high-quality preschool in Springfield and has started hiring additional teachers to prepare for the fall opening. The partnership between Willamalane and the University of Oregon will benefit both organizations and, more importantly, the Springfield/Eugene community.”

– Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director, Willamalane Park & Recreation District

More than 120 Chamber and community members were greeted by Springfield Chamber and program co-hosts Willamalane and Chambers Construction, and welcomed into a large space within the construction area that featured a makeshift beer and wine bar, a beautifully catered spread, vibrant and informative sponsor tables, and even a double cornhole setup.

There were short presentations by Michael Wargo, Executive Director at Willamalane; Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO of the Springfield Chamber; and Ronnel Curry, speaking on behalf of the Willamalane Foundation Board. As with every Business After Hours, there were a lot of laughs, a lot of networking, and giveaways – including a raffle and custom-stamped parks lids from Willamalane.

At the exterior doorway, as attendees networked and socialized, Willamalane staff were on hand to take attendees on hardhat tours of the new construction. Tours lasted about 20 minutes, and displayed the updated childcare spaces, new classrooms, kitchen area, and play areas that encompass the expansion. The staff that gave the tours were well-informed and answered questions readily and easily about the updates and improvements.

Some takeaways from the hardhat tour:

• The University of Oregon’s significant investment of up to $500,000 will fund the construction of three additional classrooms, increasing the program’s capacity from 40 to 100 children.

• As part of this partnership, University staff and faculty will have early access to up to 40 of those new spots. The rest of the spots will be open to any community members.  

• The expansion project will also include improvements such as a new kitchen, new restroom facilities, and office enhancements, along with optimized spaces for early learning. 

• Opportunities still exist for new partners to invest in the Little Duck Preschool Expansion. Please direct all inquiries to Dani Thompson, Fundraising and Development Manager at Willamalane.

Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, with a grand opening planned for the fall of 2024. The partnership will benefit working parents, especially those affiliated with the University of Oregon, by providing more childcare options and improving access to quality early education.

The Springfield Chamber would like to thank Willamalane and Chambers Construction for hosting this excellent event; our table sponsors CASA Lane County, Eugene Area Radio Stations (EARS), Vollara Air Scrubbers, and Ziply Fiber; Falling Sky Brewing for the beautiful spread; and all the volunteers and attendees that made it a success.