NEDERLAND - Over the years, many issues have ignited Nederland residents enough to speak out at government meetings, their concerns ranging from the serious to the benign. Addressing everything from emergency egress routes to bicycle pump tracks, from downtown redevelopment to official Town logos, they would line up to voice their support or condemnation. 

The Nederland public hasn’t shown the same fervor recently, as public seats at government meetings remain empty while officials discuss downtown design standards and the acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort.

But there is still one issue that residents show up for: the Peak to Peak region’s need for child care. 

In 2024, two major issues brought out the passion of Nederland residents—the proposed Pump Track and New Explorers child care center—went to ballots, giving the public the chance to vote on what happens on public land. 

On July 30, 2024, a special election was held to ask the community whether nonprofit TEENS, Inc. should be awarded a lease of Town-owned land at 750 West 5th Street for the construction of the child care facility. 

After several months of campaigning and petitioning, the community showed by a high margin that childcare was indeed a necessity and priority for the Town of Nederland, with 418 “Yes” votes and 162 votes for “No.”

Just one short year later, on November 13, another major milestone was passed at the New Explorers’ Topping Off Ceremony.

“When we raise this final beam, we’re not just marking construction progress—we’re celebrating what this building represents for local families,” said Stephen LeFaiver, Executive Director of TEENS, Inc., right before that final steel beam was signed by those close to the project.

It was then placed and fastened, completing the frame of a building that represents Nederland’s forward momentum and the hard work of TEENS, Inc. and the many dedicated teachers and parents to provide child care to the community.

According to TEENS, Inc., the new New Explorers facility will “triple the amount of licensed childcare available locally,” and will provide preschool programs for the Peak to Peak’s infants and toddlers. 

“This center will give children a place to grow, families the support they need, and our community a stronger future," LeFaiver said.

TEENS, Inc.’s original proposal, made back in October of 2023, involved leasing the land from the Town of Nederland. The 99-year, $1 annual lease allowed the construction of a $5 million two-story building with the capacity for more than 60 toddlers and 10 infants. 

Though the project has grown from the proposed 5,000 square-foot footprint to its current 9,700 square feet, and from a $5 million cost to roughly $7 million, it was clear by the immense applause given by all present that support for TEENS, Inc. and New Explorers hasn’t waned.  

The audience at the topping off included community educators and families, local supporters and donors, representatives from Himmelman Construction, project partners, members of the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors, and Boulder County officials.

TEENS, Inc. gave thanks to the Town of Nederland government, community donors, and human service organizations for their constant collaboration and ongoing partnership to help to “address one of rural Colorado’s most pressing needs: access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care.”