Fresno's Discovery Center getting a new look

Vanessa Vasconcelos Image
Friday, September 16, 2016
091516-kfsn-6pm-dicovery-center-vid
091516-kfsn-6pm-dicovery-center-vid

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno's Discovery Center is getting a facelift. The Fresno North chapter of Moms Club is teaming up with the local landmark to make improvements.

"What we're really lacking is a math and science museum, and Debbie and staff have done a phenomenal job but were ready to take it to the next level," said Anna McMurray, Moms Club Fresno North President.

Home Depot will kick start the construction by doing the front landscape and painting come November. As for the interior, much like they teach children who visit the museum, the sky is the limit.

The design firm Portico out of Seattle will come up with designs and renderings. They are already familiar with Fresno because of their work at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's African Adventure.

"They're going to come down here and essentially build new exhibits for the children's museum, including a medical office, a bank, water exhibits, math, and science exhibits," said McMurray.

"This is going to be our children's village which is going to consist of the medical office the banking," said Debbie Milla, Director.

Milla said they will plan to work with Portico to make sure the new design has a hint of the past.

"There's things like our operation table, our Native American exhibit, our roller coaster-- those items are things that kids have grown up with and they want to see here for their kids."

As a staple of the community for nearly seven decades, the museum is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday the 24th. So you can give your two cents on features and design. The hope is to have the children's museum complete by the end of January.

"Just to see the little faces light up it's worth it all," said Milla.

You can also leave your Mark on the museum through customized pavers. Price and size vary, but proceeds benefit the Discovery Center.