Plans for the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to open a satellite operation in Springfield's Upper Valley Mall are ahead of schedule. The museum is now on pace to open in early March.
Boonshoft's vice-president of external relations Diane Farrell, says the museum received an overwhelming positive response by Clark County residents and mall management when the idea of locating at the Upper Valley Mall was proposed.
Farrell says the satellite museum will be an interactive experience designed for family fun.
"Right now we are setting up the museum to have five distinct discovery zones or learning zones. We will focus on air,earth, light, and art activities. And it will really be designed so that younger children really pre-K through about fourth grade have some very strong opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics discovery," Farrell said.
Farrell says the satellite museum will create two new jobs and volunteer opportunities, and while considered a temporary location, there is no reason why it couldn't become a permanent one.
"To us a measure of success will be if we're able to move into a larger space, and If that can work out at the mall great, if not, we will begin to explore other properties and spaces in the Springfield, Clark County area," Farrell said.
The satellite museum will also include a retail shop to go along with the exhibits.