Here’s what $25 million in planned upgrades would bring to Exploration Place, riverfront
Big changes could be coming to Exploration Place in the next three years, including an amphitheater and an outdoor playscape and education center, as well as indoor renovations at the science museum.
It’s part of a $25 million plan that received $2.5 million in funding from the Sedgwick County Commission on Wednesday.
The county’s contribution brings Exploration Place’s fundraising total to roughly $12.5 million and opens the door for matching grant funds to be secured.
Construction is expected to begin later this year on an amphitheater by the Arkansas River that would open in 2024 and host various events, including drone shows.
The most expensive phase of upgrades is the $17 million playscape modeled after The Gathering Space in Tulsa and featuring multi-story, age-progressive landmarks and play structures.
The concept is being designed by Monstrum, a Denmark-based artistic playground firm. The playscape is expected to be completed in 2025 if funding is secured.
“Exploration Place has cast a bold vision for an outdoor destination playscape and entertainment experience along our riverfront,” Downtown Wichita Executive Vice President Jason Gregory said. “Once completed, this unique community asset will catalyze further development along the riverfront and throughout the urban core.”
The county’s $2.5 million donation is in addition to the $2.2 million in annual funding provided for museum operation.
Exploration Place officials say their goal is to increase attendance from 315,000 in 2022 to 1 million annually. They believe additions will increase the museum’s overall economic impact from $21 million a year to $66.7 million.
