Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao
Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
DOL Playground Inauguration
Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thank you, Pat [Pizzella, Assistant Secretary for OASAM].
I am so excited to be here to help inaugurate the new Department of Labor playground!
Over the last nearly eight years, we've achieved many reforms beneficial to the health, safety, retirement security, and competitiveness of America's workforce. But of all the reforms we've institutionalized here at the Department, this one occupies a special place in our hearts. That's because today we celebrate the completion of a playground that will serve the children of many of our hardworking DOL team members for many years to come.
No one is more excited about the inauguration of this playground than the 108 children currently served by the Department's daycare program. This is truly a wonderful day for us all.
Let me take a moment to recognize a few organizations and people who made this playground possible. First I'd like to thank the U.S. General Services Administration for funding this project. I also want to recognize Desbuild Inc. for designing and building such a fun, safe, and interactive playground.
As many of you may know, the Department of Labor has had an outdoor playground for nearly 33 years of the Frances Perkins Building's existence. Shortly after the FPB was dedicated in 1975, the DOL Day Care center was constructed on the north D Street side of the building. That area served the children of the DOL Child Development Center for many years, until 2003 when the playground was relocated to the east courtyard for safety reasons.
Plans for the construction of the new DOL playground began over three years ago when the GSA decided to make the project a Design Build project. This requires that the awarded contractor perform all architectural and engineering services required to complete the project. The project was awarded to Desbuild Inc. in September of 2005.
The completion of this playground was an enormous but worthwhile undertaking. The playground design required approvals from both the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capitol Planning Commission. Because both commissions only met once a month, it took many meetings before a final design could be agreed upon by both commissions. Nearly two years after awarding the contract, in July of 2007, the commissions approved Desbuild's ambitious design.
Preparation for the playground location also required a great deal of effort. The 42,000-pound sculpture that occupied the space had to be relocated. Upon successfully removing the sculpture in April of this year, site preparation work for the playground began. In just four months, a new perimeter drainage system, electricity, plumbing, and perimeter fencing were installed.
Construction of the concrete walkways, resilient surfaces, artificial turf, and play equipment began in September, and is now almost fully ready for children's play just four short months later.
We are thrilled that the GSA approved the relocation of the playground to its new permanent spot in the east courtyard. And we know that this playground will serve the recreational needs of many children over the years to come.
So once again, thanks to all who have made the construction of this much anticipated playground possible. None of this would have been possible without our accommodating daycare staff who managed to provide for the children's entertainment without a playground for so long. And we can also credit current and former parents and members of the Board of Directors who have provided their thoughtful input throughout the entire process. They have supported the Center in many different ways throughout the years.
Finally, I would like to single out one person who deserves credit for his devotion to this project. Tom Pruitt, of our Division of Facilities Management, has worked on this project from the very beginning. From securing the east courtyard as the permanent playground location to working with the GSA, Tom has done it all. In recognition of your hard work, Tom, I'd like to present you with this plaque as a memento of today's playground inauguration.
Let's proceed now to cut the ribbon so that we can all enjoy this great environment for the first time!
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Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
