RDG in the Media: Mesa County Early Childhood Center at Clifton Community Campus
Education Snapshots showcases RDG’s design for the Mesa County Early Childhood Center at Clifton Community Campus.
The Mesa County Early Childhood Center in Clifton, Colorado is a community-integrated facility designed to support early learning, family well-being and neighborhood connection. The 45,300 SF center, created in collaboration with Mesa County, is part of the larger Clifton Community Campus and reflects a regional commitment to investing in the future of children and families.
Located on a 13-acre site in Colorado’s Western Slope Valley, the facility is strategically positioned between a residential neighborhood and an elementary school to maximize accessibility and integration. RDG’s design features a palette of reds and blues that draw from the surrounding natural landscape, and perforated metal panels that help foster a seamless indoor-outdoor experience and add visual depth. Interior spaces were thoughtfully designed to reflect the identity of the local community and support inclusive, multigenerational use.
The center includes 12 classrooms for children from six weeks to five years old and a designated space for after-school care that provides essential support for working families. Each classroom opens directly to an age-specific outdoor learning environment that encourages movement, exploration and developmental growth. Additional spaces include a computer lab, administrative offices and flexible multipurpose meeting rooms that accommodate various community functions. A standout feature is the community hall and event space, envisioned as a neighborhood gathering point that supports everything from educational workshops to local celebrations.
Completed in 2025, the Mesa County Early Childhood Center is a vibrant expression of community identity and collective aspiration, promoting connection, resilience and lifelong learning.