Children's Storybook Garden & Museum Breaking Ground in Hanford

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new development is coming to Hanford bringing more business and people to Downtown.

Construction began for the Children's Storybook Garden & Museum in Hanford with a groundbeaking Thursday. The project is being built at 10th Street and Harris Street in Downtown. The group behind the project wants it help become an anchor in the community.

A resident of the nearby neighborhood, Frank, grew up in the area and now he's raising his son Kylen in the area. He believes the center will be good for his son and other kids living in the neighborhood.

"Keeps them out of trouble, keeps them off the streets out of places where they don't have any business," Frank says.

The final plan includes several gardens, a teaching classroom and museum. It will have options for adults too. A home from the 1880's will serve as a museum highlighting the farming industry.

"Anything that brings people to the center of this town that helps provide an educational experience," says Storybook Garden and Museum Vice President, Carmen Bettencourt, "I think is just great for the entire valley."

At Thursday's event a time capsule was started filled with wishes for the garden. There have been contractors in the community that have already offered their services to get up and running.

They hope to open the first phase in 2016. If you want more information you can go to http://childrensstorybookgardenandmuseum.org