Representatives of the Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center and Nabholz Construction were joined by community leaders at a topping off ceremony at the center’s new building in Bentonville.
Those who attended today’s ceremony signed a beam that was raised into place by a crane. The 240 children who attend the enrichment center at its current location signed their names or placed their handprints on the beam in recent days.
The 44,000-square-foot center is going up just south of the Scott Family Amazeum on J Street. Officials broke ground on the project in October.
The enrichment center, which is currently located at 1703 NE Wildcat Way in Bentonville, first opened in 1982. Its goal is to provide families with access to high-quality, early childhood education and care.
The expectation is that the new building’s construction will be complete late this year or in January. A goal is to move into the new building sometime in March, Barnes said.
Speakers at today’s event included U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin, Graham Cobb of the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Steve Clouten of Nabholz Construction, and Barnes.
”This is truly a celebration as we are reaching a new milestone with the new facility. Our design and construction teams have worked tirelessly to reach this point, and we are so appreciative of their passion and dedication to this project.
Michelle BarnesExecutive Director, Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center
