Avon, Colo., Jan. 16, 2026 — The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is pleased to announce the name for the new early childhood education and development center in Avon, set to open in fall 2026: “Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center" pays tribute to Avon's rich agricultural history as a thriving lettuce farming community in the early 20th century.
"The name ‘Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center’ reflects our commitment to honoring Avon's heritage, our gratitude to the Town of Avon for their transformational partnership with this new early childhood education and development center, and our vision for nurturing and educating the next generation," said Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation. "Just as lettuce farmers cultivated the land and fed communities near and far, we are cultivating young minds and helping families grow strong roots in our valley. This vision would not have become a reality without the support of Avon’s Town Manager, Eric Heil, Avon’s Mayor, Tamra Nottingham Underwood, and the Avon Town Council."
Avon was an important agricultural hub long before it became a mountain resort destination. In the 1920s, head lettuce was the crop of choice in Avon and neighboring areas. Farmers loaded refrigerated rail cars at the Avon Depot with freshly cut lettuce packed in ice from the Minturn ice house, shipping lettuce as far as the east coast. The early learning center’s name recognizes the Town of Avon's essential partnership in making the facility possible while celebrating this agricultural chapter in local history.
“I love that our valley’s children will enjoy a state-of-the-art preschool that includes Avon’s history!” said Town of Avon Mayor Tamra N. Underwood. “What a fun name for a truly impactful and exciting project that will benefit the greater Avon community for generations to come.”
Construction of Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center has progressed steadily through the fall and winter. In late 2025, the structure went vertical, walls were framed, and installation of roof trusses began. The facility is still on track to open in fall 2026.
Collaboratively conquering community challenges
The facility, once open, will address a critical need: the Eagle River Valley is considered a childcare desert, with nearly half of the valley's early childhood education and development needs going unmet.
This all-electric, 13,595-square-foot facility will provide much-needed, high-quality early childhood education and development for children ages 0-5, with space for up to 165 children. The center will feature 12 classrooms and three outdoor playgrounds across 2.9 acres of land.
Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center represents a collaborative partnership between the Town of Avon and the Vail Valley Foundation. The Town of Avon leased the land to the VVF for 50 years for $1 and also provided generous financial contributions and incentives worth an estimated $800,000. VVF is leading the fundraising and development efforts.
This project is made possible through the private-public partnership between the Town of Avon and the Vail Valley Foundation with key support from Eagle County, local employers, and generous individual donors and granting organizations. Zehren & Associates designed the facility; RA Nelson is the General Contractor; Access Early Education Foundation will be the operator; Eagle County donated $1 million to the facility; Active Energies Solar donated sustainability elements including photovoltaic solar panels and inverters; and VVF’s Chair of the Board, Chris Jarnot, along with Board members Johannes Faessler and Steve Coyer, have been instrumental throughout the operational process. To view the list of all the donors, grantors, and partners, please click here.
Fundraising efforts continue
The VVF has secured $12.2 million for construction of the facility, with a goal to raise another $1.6 million by the end of May 2026. Additionally, fundraising efforts are underway for a $3 million Tuition Assistance and Staff Housing Assistance Fund, which will help ensure attraction and retention of qualified employees while providing accessibility for working families across varied income levels. At least 16 families are expected to receive critical financial support through this fund.
Donations to the Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center are eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC). For more information about the Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center or to support this project, visit empower.vvf.org, or contact VVF President & CEO Mike Imhof at [email protected] or Vice President of Philanthropy Peter Barclay at [email protected].
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About Eagle River Valley Childcare
Eagle River Valley Childcare is a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit corporation operated by the Vail Valley Foundation, dedicated to enhancing early childhood education and development services across the community. The first initiative, Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center in Avon, represents a private-public partnership with the Town of Avon to address the Eagle River Valley's critical early childhood education needs. The 13,595-square-foot facility will provide high-quality early childhood education and development for children ages 0-5. Donations to Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center’s capital or operational needs are eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC).
About the Vail Valley Foundation
The Vail Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit with a mission to provide leadership in arts, athletics, and education, and address community needs to enhance our valley as a place to live, work, and visit.
The organization's work in education is through YouthPower365, a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit corporation which provides programs from early childhood to college and career to support youth and families every step of the way. The VVF puts on several annual events including the GoPro Mountain Games, Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup races, Vail Dance Festival, and Bulleit Hot Summer Nights and Town of Eagle ShowDown Town free concert series. The organization manages the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, hosting over 150 events annually. The VVF also operates Eagle River Valley Childcare, a 501(c)(3) Colorado nonprofit corporation focused on enhancing early childhood education and development services across the community.
Vail Valley Foundation is grateful for our cornerstone partners: Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, GoPro, Nature Valley, Constellation Brands, CELSIUS, Diageo, Lifetime Home Remodeling, and Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
To learn more, visit vvf.org.
