Grow at Eden, Iola’s new childcare center at the former Kids Kingdom, welcomes back children on Monday.
The facility has been closed for about four weeks for a complete remodel. Owners Kandy and Kyler Rushing purchased the daycare from Mona Hull in June and have been revamping the building and grounds to capture a style similar to their childcare center in Parsons.
“It has been a fast and exhilarating few weeks,” Rushing said. “We’re excited about families coming back.”
Work includes new flooring throughout the building, new paint and murals in all six classrooms with window cutouts between them, and a commercial kitchen with new appliances.
Each classroom features a different theme with a colorful mural to match. For example, a giant map of the world is featured in the Atlas Room. Butterflies frolic through the Monarch Room, with two larger sets of butterfly wings positioned just low enough that children can take photos that make them look like a butterfly.
Mural artists Avery Adkins and Leann Carpenter were putting finishing touches on the murals on Thursday. Both painted similar murals at the Parsons location and were glad for the opportunity to work on the Iola facility.
“I want to capture their attention and imagination, while also bringing a sense of comfort. Murals have always done that for me,” Carpenter explained. “Every time you look at it, you catch something new.”
Olivia Alexander is a teacher for 2-year-olds in what will be the Forest Room, where evergreen trees tower above colorful flora and fauna. She previously worked for Kids Kingdom and said the changes to the building have been quite dramatic.
She’s looking forward to welcoming back children on Monday and can’t wait to see their reaction.
“I’m very excited. Their minds are a sponge at that age,” she said.
OUTSIDE, the center will have a large playground surrounded by a privacy fence of over 500 linear feet. A smaller metal fence divides the playground in half.
Kyler and a crew are working on the playground, building a concrete tricycle path and digging a 15-foot diameter sand pit with sunshades. New playground equipment, including about 20 swings, will be installed.
Because the playground is essentially a large field, sunshades will be added to address safety and health concerns, Kandy said.
She also appreciates a large multipurpose room inside the building, which allows children to play when weather conditions aren’t ideal for going outside.
Eventually, the exterior of the building will be upgraded with new doors, paint and landscaping.
Kandy credited numerous businesses with support since she took over the business. The sale was facilitated by Iola Industries and Thrive Allen County. She continues to receive advice from those entities and has joined a coalition of area childcare providers and community leaders.
