Sunflower Has Started Construction!

Oct 19

Written By Stephanie Fromm - Winneshiek County Development and Tourism

Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center project will break ground in October.

The project first started in 2019, after a Community Child Care Needs Survey was conducted by Winneshiek County Development and Tourism. There was an overwhelming number of responses that were received expressing the drastic need for additional child care services in Decorah and the surrounding communities. After experiencing high bids last spring due to inflation, Sunflower’s Building Committee went to work redesigning the shell and layout of the building to be more affordable and efficient.

Stephanie Fromm, Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism stated, “Child care can impact children, communities and businesses on so many levels. It’s part of the necessary infrastructure of our economy. Businesses need employees. Employees have families. Families need child care. Providing a safe place for children helps with productivity and can ease the stress of a working parent.”

“This project evolved from three community needs. First, a dire need for a new financially sustainable child care center that will support our working families. Second, a severe lack of indoor learning and play spaces for young children. Third, and maybe the least well known, a tourism catalyst that will draw young families to the community, first to visit and then to live and work in our businesses and attend our schools. This project helps make our county “family friendly”, said Lora Friest, WCDT Project Coordinator.

Sunflower has been supported by more than 250 private individuals. The Fundraising Committee consists of local champions, including Rita Friest, Barbara Wilkerson, Lora Friest, Merlene Brown, Larry Grimstad, John R. Schroeher, Mary Ann Thurmer, Dan Thurmer, Harlan Satrom, Mike Harman and Stephanie Fromm. The team is excited to share the news of the center’s achievements and hopes to close the gap on the remaining $900,000 during construction.

“Over the past 15 years, our organization has explored ways of expanding our services in hopes of serving more families and providing higher wages to staff. The new center will provide a wonderful opportunity for families, community members, and tourists to enjoy the new building and learn through creative curriculum and exploration.” added Merlene Brown, former Sunflower Executive Director.

Without the support from local donations, state and federal funding opportunities and private foundations, this project would not be possible. Construction is expected to last 18 months, and the facility will be open to the public in June of 2024. For more information about donating towards the project or to learn more, please visit www.DecorahDiscovery.org.