Meadowlark - COMING SOON

The Webster Road property was purchased in June 2024. It was formerly utilized as a YMCA daycare. The building has been vacant since the pandemic, leaving a childcare void in the community and inviting mischief and damage to the property.

Why this project matters:
✅ The Office of Head Start awarded $4.16 million for the purchase of the Gladstone YMCA ($1.15M) and construction in June 2024.
✅ Once complete, the site will provide full-day care for up to 64 children through Head Start and Early Head Start.
✅ The facility will include two preschool (Head Start) classrooms and three infant-toddler (Early Head Start) classrooms.
✅ Currently, Gladstone has only full-day Head Start services.
✅ There are no Early Head Start services in Gladstone today.
✅ Gladstone is part of a Child Care Desert, making this project even more critical for local families.

This facility will be undergoing a full-renovation through Summer 2025, preparing to serve families with pre-school-age children from 3 months to 5 years of age.

During this renovation, ClackCoKids and partners will reconfigure the interior flow, adjust classroom and bathroom layout, repair the exterior including a new roof, new paint inside and out, and new flooring. The playground will also see a major overhaul with an orientation toward a more natural play experience for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The facility is tentatively planned to open Fall 2026.

Address: 17395 Webster Rd., Gladstone, 97027

Progress Updates

July 2026:

The new roof has been installed. Walls are now framed, electrical and plumbing lines installed, and sheetrock is going up. Teams have preserved existing materials where possible to reduce costs, and finish work will make old and new elements seamless once textured and painted. Doors and new windows are also being installed, which protects the interior work from the elements. The building has been wrapped with a vapor barrier, providing both insulation and longevity to the structure by wicking moisture away from the structure.

June 2026:

New framing gives the space it’s final shape, including the division of the largest room on the North end to provide two Early Head Start classrooms. New electrical conduit and HVAC systems are being installed in the attic. A new covered entry pavilion is being added to the front of the building, providing a covered entry way for families as well as an area for informal discussions before and after school. Teams are also working together to make use of the existing boulders and West slope, incorporating natural elements into the future play area for older children (3 years+).

May 2026:

A new sewer and water system are installed to align to ClackCoKids standards, allowing better access to restrooms while maintaining adult supervision. New electrical conduit and HVAC systems are being installed in the attic.

April 2026:

Demolition and excavation got underway in soggy April weather. Interior demolition allows the design and construction teams to evaluate the actual conditions hidden behind walls and under cement. Fortunately, this wet weather helped teams identify water concerns during the installation of new plumbing that will help avoid future issues.

09/26/2025:

Still in the design phase, the landscape has been cleared, and the rear hillside grubbed to remove invasive growth and allow the design team to see the basalt formations along the back of the building. Planning includes some removal of basalt at the rear of the building to make way for a new building extension to add an additional classroom.
At 75% complete on plans, we are now underway with an RFP process to select a Contract Management/ General Contracting partner to help finalize the design within our budget, and partner with us into renovation efforts.
Current architectural plans are being prepared for City review in November.
We are seeking building permits in December/ January.

04/29/2025:

JTRA Architects are leading the effort to transform this dated facility into another beautiful ClackCoKids early learning childhood center
The project team is working with the county to schedule a pre-approval review and sharing about the goals of this project in June 2025

02/20/2025:

This project has had an initial kick-off with ClackCoKids leadership, and a general layout proposed for the facility
Important safety assessments have been performed by geological technicians, surveyors, and arborists, ensuring a safe and natural environment for learning