Our Town Grand Island: Epic Discovery Center

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KOLN) - After seven years of planning, a new attraction is set to open in Grand Island and it’s designed to deliver STEAM-based programming for children of all ages.

The Epic Discovery Center is located in an old armory building in Ryder Park. A ribbon cutting for this exciting new attraction is set for June 5th.

Alison Larson, executive director, said the project began with a conversation between an attorney and a community leader about Grand Island needing more opportunities for children.

“They started this project with a steering committee, which became a board,” Larson said.

The center will serve ages zero to 18. Larson said master planning studies were conducted to determine what Grand Island wanted and needed.

“Grand Island told us loud and clear, we need something for teens,” Larson said. “A typical children’s museum serves up to 10 or 12 years of age. We heard that message and we are serving zero to 18.”

The facility will feature STEAM-based, hands-on learning. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The exhibit floor will include 25 stand-alone exhibits. But the executive director says the center is not just for young kids, but is designed for teens, and includes a recording studio and study areas.

The center will also include a large-scale climbing structure designed by world-renowned museum planners.

Larson said the climbing area will also feature a pneumatic tube system that allows children on the ground to send items to children in the climber pod. “The kids in the climber pod can then send things back down,” Larson said. “So they really are interacting and collaborating together. The child that’s on the ground feels like they’re a part of the experience, even if they don’t want to climb.”

The project raised $7.5 million from outside Grand Island, including support from Omaha-based foundations. Larson said Grand Island also provided generous support.

Finally, Larson says a big goal is to make sure the Epic Discovery Center is inclusive to everyone. An elevator will allow people to access the second floor. And signs around the center will be in both English and Spanish, so care-givers who come with their kids can understand and enjoy the exhibits and activities as well.

Summer camps through the Epic Discovery Center are getting underway on June 1, and an official ribbon cutting for the center will take place on June 5.

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.