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It's A Plan Kids Will Dig

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

LAKE MAGDALENE - It's been three years in the planning, but enhancements are finally under way at Hillsborough County Children's Services' Lake Magdalene campus.

Students, staff and Hillsborough County officials gathered Thursday to break ground on seven new structures scheduled to be complete by October. The $9.3 million project will replace structures built in the 1950s and '60s.

"Because they are older buildings, they have been difficult to heat and remodel," said Pat Bean, Hillsborough County administrator. "It's a good thing we can make this investment."

Once the project is complete there will be three cottages that will replace dormitories, a family resource center, a health center, therapeutic support center, space for children's activities and a dinning hall, which will house a culinary arts program.
Bike paths also will be added along with improved security measures.

Thomas Pepin, director of children services, said the design is kid-friendly because the children and staff were included along in the process.

"I think it's great," said Roycie Roeder, a third-grade teacher at Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center, which is on the campus. "It's been long overdue."

The programs and facilities at the Lake Magdalene campus, 3110 Clay Mangum Lane, help runaway children and those with severe emotional problems by providing counseling, education and housing.

Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518.

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